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ThuMar 7

National Teresa Day – March 7, 2024

Teresa is a girl’s name of Greek origin that means “late summer.” The first people to use this name were perhaps from the Greek island of Therasia. Because of the fame of two saints, Teresa of Ávila and Thérèse of Lisieux, various variations have been created. Mother Teresa created the Missionaries of Charity, an order of nuns whose sisters aid those in need all around the world. Her efforts earned her the moniker “the saint of the gutters,” as well as the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize.

History of National Teresa Day

What is the correct spelling of Teresa? Teresa was the most popular version during its early years when it was only used in Spain and Portugal. Teresa is also known by the English variant Theresa and the French spelling Thérèse.

It first appears in late antiquity in the Iberian Peninsula. Its origin is unknown; it might be derived from the Greek word ‘therz’ (“to harvest”) or from ‘theros’ (‘summer’). It is originally mentioned in the form Therasia, after Therasia of Nola, a 4th-century nobleman. Its popularity grew outside of Iberia as a result of Saint Teresa of Ávila, and more recently, Thérèse of Lisieux and Mother Teresa.

During the Middle Ages, the name was mostly restricted to Spain and Portugal. Because of the popularity of the Spanish nun and reformer Saint Teresa of Ávila, it spread to various areas of the Christian world after the 16th century. Another prominent bearer was the Austrian Habsburg queen Maria Theresa, who inherited the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI’s possessions, sparking the War of the Austrian Succession.

It was the 852nd most prevalent name for females born in the United States in 2008, down from 226th in 1992 (it ranked 65th in 1950, and 102nd in 1900). It was the 580th most prevalent name for females born in 2008, down from the 206th position in 1992 (it ranked 81st in 1950, and 220th in 1900).

National Teresa Day timeline

1500s
The Healing Miracle

The healing of St. Teresa's wounded nephew is her most well-known miracle.

1831
Empress Consort of Emperor

"The Mother of the Brazilians," Dona Teresa Cristina delle Due Sicilie becomes the Empress consort of Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil.

1979
A Humanitarian and Advocate for the Poor

Mother Teresa's achievements include being a humanitarian and a champion for the poor and powerless, which earns her the Nobel Peace Prize.

2000
The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg

Maria Teresa is Grand Duke Henri's wife, who ascends to the throne.

National Teresa Day FAQs

Is Teresa a Spanish name?

Teresa is generally a female name that means ‘harvester’ in Spanish. Theresa or Teresa have the male variants Terrence and Theodore.

Is the name Teresa uncommon?

Theresa was a top 100 name until the 1960s, reaching Number 32 in 1956, before dropping totally off the list in 2011.

In the “Bible,” who was Theresa?

Teresa of Ávila, commonly known as Saint Teresa of Jesus, was a Spanish noblewoman who was called to the Catholic Church’s convent life.

National Teresa Day Activities

  1. Explore the internet

    Because the internet is the most convenient way to obtain information. Make use of this day to explore and learn more about your name and yourself. Visit a variety of blogs and websites to take in as much information as possible. You can easily find people with the same name online, too!

  2. Publish a blog post about your name

    When you publish, share, or read a blog post about your name, you are asserting that you know yourself. Teresa is a meaningful name with a long history. By sharing a post about it, you make it easy for others to know you, and you encourage them to know more about themselves.

  3. Set aside some time to speak with your parents

    Aside from scouring the Internet, talking to your parents can help you figure out what your name means and what kind of person they hoped you would be when they named you. Set aside some time to discuss what the name Teresa means to your parents.

5 Fun Facts About The Name Teresa

  1. Its first appearance

    The name was initially given to 50 newborn babies in 1880.

  2. Consistent top ranking

    From 1912 to 1985, this name consistently appeared among the top-ranking girls’ names in Arizona for 65 years.

  3. The nun who became a saint

    Mother Teresa became well-known during her lifetime as the Catholic nun who dedicated her life to caring for the poor and dying in the slums of Calcutta (now Kolkata).

  4. The “housewife” with the greatest salary

    Teresa Giudice of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” is said to be paid $1 million every season, while newbies are said to be paid around $40,000 per season.

  5. The Greek island of Therasia

    The earliest bearers of this name may have come from the Greek island of Therasia.

Why We Love National Teresa Day

  1. Terasas love freedom

    Teresa is a name that represents a free-spirited and liberated individual. With your love of variety and adventure, nothing is traditional.

  2. A Teresa is a natural-born peacemaker

    Teresa is a name that evokes the need to resolve problems and bring harmony into the world. Some qualities associated with the name are being spiritual, idealistic, and peace-loving.

  3. Teresa is the life of the party

    The name Teresa is also associated with being vivacious, clever, and amusing. As a person named Teresa, you can be the life of the party. Others may think you are appealing and like being the focus of attention.

National Teresa Day dates

YearDateDay
2024March 7Thursday
2025March 7Friday
2026March 7Saturday
2027March 7Sunday
2028March 7Tuesday

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