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Therese

♀ Girl

Pronounced tuh-REEZ /təˈriːz/High

Meaning: to reap, harvestMedium

In 30 seconds: Therese is the French form of Teresa, meaning harvester. It carries strong Catholic heritage through Saint Therese of Lisieux, known as the Little Flower.
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Origin HighGreek, French
Meaningto reap, harvest
U.S. rank (2024)#2227 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births85 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1959
Total births (all-time)≈ 35,507

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195918802024

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

History & Origin

Therese is the French form of the Latin Teresa, itself derived from the Greek therizein meaning to harvest or reap. The name gained enormous popularity through Saint Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582), the Spanish mystic, and was further boosted in France by Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.

Therese spread widely through Catholic countries in the 19th and 20th centuries. It remains a dignified classic in France, Germany, and Catholic communities worldwide, often chosen to honor the beloved Carmelite saint.

Did you know? Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897) was canonized in 1925 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997 — one of only four women to hold that title in Catholic history.
Overall data confidence 88%
Hanks & Hodges, Dictionary of First Names — reference for ThereseCatholic Encyclopedia: Saint Therese — reference for ThereseBehind the Name: Therese — name etymology reference

Variations

TeresaTheresaThérèseTerezaTerese

Nicknames

TessTerryResi

Famous Bearers

  • ★Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897)
    French Carmelite nun known for her 'Little Way' spirituality; canonized in 1925 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997.
  • ★Therese Neumann (1898–1962)
    German Catholic mystic and stigmatist from Konnersreuth, Bavaria, reported to bear the wounds of Christ.

If you like Therese…

Theresa— direct English variant of same name
Teresa— Spanish/English cognate form
Claire— French Catholic classic with similar elegance
Cecile— French feminine classic with saintly associations
Agnes— classic saint's name with European heritage

Frequently Asked

What does Therese mean?

Therese means harvester or one who reaps, from the Greek therizein, via the French form of Teresa.

How do you pronounce Therese?

Therese is pronounced tuh-REEZ (/təˈriːz/), with two syllables.

Is Therese a girl's name?

Yes, Therese is a feminine name, the French form of Teresa.

How popular is the name Therese?

Therese was popular in Catholic communities throughout the 20th century and remains a dignified classic today.