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Therese

Girl name · 30 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Therese: 30 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 4 births in 1974.

The French form of Theresa, Therese ultimately derives from the Greek name Therasia, meaning 'from the island of Therasia' (the volcanic isle near Santorini). Its enduring popularity owes much to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the 19th-century French Carmelite nun known as 'The Little Flower', whose spiritual writings continue to inspire millions. In the secular world, actress Therese Russell brought a certain Hollywood glamour to the name, while Mother Teresa—born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu but adopting the Spanish spelling—remade its reputation through her humanitarian work. The name also enjoys a literary foothold through Françoise Sagan's novel *Bonjour Tristesse*, whose young protagonist is the worldly Cécile's friend. The Scottish variation Theresa has been more common north of the border, but Therese retains a quiet, continental elegance.