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Teresa Name Meaning & Details

Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Teresa

Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name TERESA. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.

Name

Teresa

Gender

Female

Origin

Spanish

Lucky Number

5

Meaning of the Name

Teresa is a Spanish feminine name meaning 'harvester' or 'reaper,' symbolizing one who gathers spiritual abundance. The name carries strong associations with compassion and service, inspired by famous saints and humanitarian figures who bore this name.

Stages of a Female

Complete Numerology Analysis

Your Numerology Number

5

Based on Pythagorean Numerology System

Ruling Planet

Mercury

Positive Nature

Adventurous, dynamic, curious, and social.

Negative Traits

Restless, impatient, inconsistent, prone to indulgence.

Lucky Colours

Green, white.

Lucky Days

Wednesday.

Lucky Stones

Emerald.

Harmony Numbers

1, 3, 9.

Best Suited Professions

Sales, marketing, travel, entertainment.

What People Like About You

Versatility, charisma, adventurous spirit.

Famous People Named Teresa

Mother Teresa

Catholic Nun and Humanitarian

Founded Missionaries of Charity and won Nobel Peace Prize for work with Kolkata's poor

Teresa of Ávila

Catholic Saint and Mystic

Reformed Carmelite Order and became Doctor of the Church

Teresa of Lisieux

Catholic Saint

Known as 'The Little Flower' and authored 'Story of a Soul'

Teresa Carreño

Pianist and Composer

Internationally celebrated Venezuelan virtuoso pianist

Name Variations & International Equivalents

Teresa Spanish/Italian/Portuguese Theresa English/German Thérèse French Tereza Portuguese/Czech/Romanian Terezie Czech Terézia Slovak/Hungarian

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Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Teresa holds profound cultural significance rooted in Catholic tradition and Spanish heritage. It gained prominence through Saint Teresa of Ávila, the 16th-century Spanish mystic, writer, and reformer who became one of only four female Doctors of the Church. Her spiritual writings and organizational reforms made her a towering figure in Counter-Reformation Spain and established Teresa as a name associated with intellectual depth, spiritual strength, and feminine leadership within the Catholic tradition.

The name's cultural impact expanded globally through Saint Thérèse of Lisieux in the 19th century and Mother Teresa in the 20th century, creating a powerful trifecta of female spiritual exemplars. In Spanish-speaking cultures, Teresa remains a classic name that bridges traditional religious values with modern feminine identity. The name carries connotations of compassion, service, and inner strength, reflecting the qualities of its most famous bearers while maintaining its elegant Spanish phonetic character that has made it enduring across generations.

Extended Personality Analysis

Women named Teresa are often perceived as compassionate, nurturing individuals with strong moral convictions and practical wisdom. They tend to be organized, responsible, and dedicated to helping others, reflecting the humanitarian legacy of Mother Teresa and the spiritual depth of the saintly Teresas. Their personality often combines emotional warmth with intellectual seriousness, making them both approachable and respected.

Teresas typically exhibit a blend of traditional values and inner strength, showing resilience in challenging situations while maintaining their caring nature. They are often seen as pillars of their communities or families—reliable, hardworking, and spiritually grounded. Many Teresas demonstrate leadership qualities that are more collaborative than authoritarian, preferring to lead through example and service rather than command. This combination of compassion and capability makes them effective in caregiving professions, education, and community organizing.

Modern Usage & Popularity

Teresa remains a classic, enduring name in Spanish-speaking countries and has maintained steady popularity in English-speaking nations. While it peaked in popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly following Mother Teresa's global recognition, it has settled into a comfortable position as a traditional but not overly common choice. In the United States, Teresa ranked around 800th in recent years, showing its transition from trendy to timeless. Modern parents often choose Teresa to honor family traditions or religious heritage while appreciating its elegant, international appeal. The name continues to be popular in Spain, Italy, and Latin America, where it maintains its cultural authenticity while adapting to contemporary naming trends.

Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings

Symbolically, Teresa represents harvest, abundance, and spiritual gathering—deriving from its Greek root meaning 'to reap.' It embodies the concept of gathering spiritual fruits and nurturing growth in others. The name carries strong associations with compassion in action, reflecting Mother Teresa's legacy of service, and mystical wisdom, echoing Saint Teresa of Ávila's spiritual insights. Symbolically, Teresa suggests a bridge between practical care and spiritual depth, between earthly service and heavenly contemplation. It represents feminine strength that manifests through nurturing rather than domination, and wisdom that expresses itself through action rather than mere intellect.

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