Teressa

Meaning of Teressa

Teressa, pronounced tuh-RESS-ə, is a variant of the venerable Greek name Thérēsē, meaning “harvest” or “reaper,” which traveled through medieval Spanish and Portuguese before taking on a distinct form in English usage. Though most often spelled Teresa, the double-s variant gained modest traction in Anglo-American communities during the mid-20th century, aligning with Georgia birth records that placed it between ranks 143 and 165 from 1950 to 1974. The name carries echoes of St. Teresa of Ávila’s reformist zeal and the humanitarian legacy of Mother Teresa, offering parents an association of quiet strength and compassionate service. Its extra “s” sometimes doubles as an unintended spelling quiz—an early lesson in perseverance that underscores Teressa’s blend of tradition and subtle individuality.