Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Terese
GirlFrench, Greek· “variant of Therese”
- Meaning
- variant of Therese
- Origin
- French, Greek
- Pronunciation
- tuh-REES
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- Unranked
- US babies 2025
- 0
- Best rank
- #571 (1955)
- Peak year
- 1957
Meaning and origin of Terese
Terese is a French and Greek name that is usually said to mean “variant of Therese”.
Terese is a spelling of Thérèse, the French form of Teresa. The origin of Teresa is uncertain; it is often linked with the Greek island of Therasia or with the Greek therizo, to harvest. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, a French Carmelite nun of the late nineteenth century, made this form especially loved. Terese is also used in Scandinavia. It is said tuh-REES, and some families say TEH-reez. Tess, Terry and Reese are possible nicknames. The name is simple and graceful, with a gentle French saintly background.
Popularity over time
Terese first appears in US Social Security records in 1889. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 18 different years, starting in 1950. Its best national rank was #571 in 1955, and the most babies received it in 1957, when 268 were named Terese. It did not appear in the 2025 data, which only lists names given to at least five babies.
Its national rank moved from #3,075 in 1920, #899 in 1950, #1,603 in 1980, and #6,189 in 2000. Of the 6,503 US girls named Terese since records began, 32% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 1,822 babies. Since 2010, 26 more have been named Terese.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Bonny, Valorie, Kathrine, Cathie, and Lyn.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Terese is usually pronounced tuh-REES, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with T and ends in “-se”.
Middle names for Terese
A few middle names that flow with Terese: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Terese
Similar names
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Lists that include Terese
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Terese mean?
Terese is a French and Greek name that is usually said to mean “variant of Therese”.
What is the origin of the name Terese?
Terese has French and Greek roots. Terese is a spelling of Thérèse, the French form of Teresa.
Is Terese a popular name?
No. Terese was not recorded for five or more babies of its most common sex in 2025, so it is rare today.
Is Terese a boy or girl name?
Terese is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Terese?
Terese is usually pronounced tuh-REES. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings