Meaning & Origin
A diminutive of the female given name Teresa.
Teri is a girl's and boy's baby name of Greek origin, a short form of Teresa — from the Greek Thēresía, possibly meaning 'to harvest' or connected to the island of Thera (modern Santorini). Teresa has been one of the most beloved names in Catholic tradition, worn by two major saints: Teresa of Ávila (16th century mystic) and Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa).
With over 43,000 recorded U.S. births, Teri has enormous historical presence — it was particularly popular from the 1950s through the 1970s, when it ranked among the most common girl's names in America. Actress Teri Garr and Teri Hatcher were notable bearers who kept the name in public view.