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Home › Baby Names Directory › Teri

Teri

♀ Girl

Pronounced TAIR-ee /ˈtɛr.i/High

Meaning: A short form of Teresa/Theresa, whose roots are debated ('harvester,' or tied to the Greek theros, 'summer'). Teri flourished as an independent mid-century name; a familiar, retro-warm pick.Low

In 30 seconds: A retro-warm classic: Teri is a short form of Teresa, bright and friendly (said 'TAIR-ee'). Familiar and vintage.
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Origin MediumGreek, English
MeaningA short form of Teresa/Theresa, whose roots are debated ('harvester,' or tied to the Greek theros, 'summer'). Teri flourished as an independent mid-century name; a familiar, retro-warm pick.
U.S. rank (2025)#13071 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1960
Total births (all-time)≈ 43,957

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196019202025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Teri is a short form of Teresa/Theresa (roots debated: 'harvester' or 'summer'), popular as its own name in the mid-20th century. For girls today it reads as retro and warm, now uncommon (said 'TAIR-ee').

It appears only occasionally in recent U.S. data, well past its mid-century peak. Uncommon, cheerful, and vintage.

Did you know? Teri rose as a mid-century short form of Teresa — worn by actress Teri Garr and Teri Hatcher — a breezy, friendly name with a nostalgic sparkle (said 'TAIR-ee').
Overall data confidence 55%
References — Teri — short for Teresa/Theresa; mid-century classic

Variations

TerriTerryTeresa

Nicknames

TerTee

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Teri…

Teresa— the name Teri shortens
Kerri— a like retro -i name
Sherri— a like mid-century pick
Lori— a like breezy vintage name

Explore names like Teri

By themeclassicshortvintagefriendly
By meaningFreedom

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Teri mean?

Teri is a short form of Teresa/Theresa, whose roots are debated ('harvester' or 'summer').

How do you pronounce Teri?

It's said TAIR-ee /ˈtɛr.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Teri a boy or girl name?

Teri is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Teri?

Teri is an uncommon, retro name for girls in the U.S. today.

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