Theresa is a feminine given name derived from the Greek name Thérèsè, which itself originates from the ancient Greek island of Therasia in the Mediterranean Sea. The name is believed to have emerged during the classical period of ancient Greece, sometime between the 5th and 4th centuries BCE.

The name Therasia is thought to be derived from the Greek word "theriston," meaning "to harvest" or "to reap." This connection to the agricultural cycle likely stems from the island's fertile lands and importance as a producer of crops and provisions for the region. Over time, the name evolved into the more familiar form of Theresa.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Theresa can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, who mentions a woman named Theresa in his work "The Republic." However, it wasn't until the advent of Christianity that the name gained widespread popularity.

In the 16th century, the name Theresa became closely associated with Saint Teresa of Ávila, a prominent Spanish mystic, author, and reformer of the Carmelite Order. Born in 1515, Saint Teresa played a pivotal role in the Catholic Reformation and was later canonized in 1622. Her influence and the widespread veneration of her teachings contributed significantly to the dissemination of the name across Europe and beyond.

Another notable figure bearing the name Theresa was Marie Thérèse of France, known as Madame Royale, the daughter of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Born in 1778, she survived the French Revolution and lived a tumultuous life, eventually dying in exile in 1851.

In the 19th century, Theresa Bernarda Cabarrús, better known as Madame Tallien, was a prominent figure during the French Revolution. Born in 1773, she was a renowned salonnière and influential socialite who played a significant role in the events leading up to the Reign of Terror.

The name Theresa also holds historical significance in the realm of literature, with notable writers such as Theresa Rebeck, an American playwright and novelist born in 1958, and Theresa Hak Kyung Cha, a Korean-American writer and artist who lived from 1951 to 1982.

Throughout history, the name Theresa has been borne by numerous influential women, ranging from religious figures and royalty to artists and intellectuals, reflecting its enduring appeal and rich cultural heritage.