Teri is a feminine given name of English origin. It can either be a variant of Terry 1 or a diminutive of Theresa. As a variant of Terry, the name ultimately traces back to the Gothic name Theodoric, which means "ruler of the people" from the elements þiuda "people" and reiks "ruler, king". Theodoric was borne by Theodoric the Great, a 6th-century king of the Ostrogoths who ruled Italy. As a diminutive of Theresa, Teri shares the etymology of that name, which is possibly derived from the Greek verb "therizein" meaning "to harvest" or from the island of Thera (Santorini). Notable Bearers Several notable women bear the name Teri, particularly in the English-speaking world. Among them are actress Teri Garr (1944–2024), known for her roles in films like Young Frankenstein and Tootsie; actress Teri Hatcher (born 1964), famous for her roles in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and Desperate Housewives; and actress and singer Teri Moïse (born 1970). Other notable Teris include fitness competitor Teri Byrne (born 1972), Olympic swimming coach Teri McKeever (born 1962), and Native American beadwork artist Teri Greeves (born 1970). Related and Variant Forms Teri has several related variants, including Terri, Terrie, and Terry 2 (masculine and feminine forms). Other diminutives of Theresa include Tess and Tessa. In other languages, the name appears as Terese (Swedish), Tereza (Slovak), and Teresa (Swedish and others). A masculine form is Tel. Teri and its variants have been used in English-speaking countries since the 20th century, partly popularized by the fame of actresses and other public figures. Cultural Significance As a concise and friendly given name, Teri rose in popularity in the mid-20th century, reflecting a trend toward shorter names and those ending in -i or -y. It is often associated with a casual, approachable personality. The name's dual derivation—from both Terry (via Theodoric) and Theresa—gives it both a Germanic, ruler-related echo and a more gentle, harvest-related connotation, depending on the chosen etymology. Meaning: Feminine variant of Terry (via Theodoric) meaning "ruler of the people" or diminutive of Theresa (possibly "harvester") Origin: English Type: Diminutive / Variant Usage Regions: English-speaking world