See the results of this poll: Do you pronounced Teresa and Theresa the same?
Respondents: 65 (This poll is closed)
- Yes: 61 (94%)
- No: 4 (6%)
I pronounce these names exactly the same. When I have met people with this name, spelled both ways, they all pronounce it tuh-[name]REE[/name]-suh the way you say it (and I do too). I don’t think you should have any problems with pronunciation.
[name]Theresa[/name]: I pronounce it Teh-[name]REE[/name]-sah
[name]Teresa[/name]: I pronounce it Teh-[name]RAY[/name]-suh
[name]Teresa[/name] is the Spanish version of [name]Theresa[/name] and it is pronounced “tey-ray-suh”. [name]Theresa[/name] is pronounced “tuh-ree-suh”. It depends on what spelling you choose.
I pronounce them both the same. My bf and I both have aunts named [name]Teresa[/name] who both prn it Tuh-[name]REE[/name]-suh. I would spell it [name]Teresa[/name]. Unless you are from an area where there are lots Spanish speakers, I doubt you will get Teh-ray-suh. I far prefer the [name]Teresa[/name] spelling and I have considered using it to honor my aunt. It is a beautiful name.
To me, [name]Theresa[/name] is always tuh-[name]REE[/name]-sa and [name]Teresa[/name] can go either way. But I think it might get confusing once in a while either way. Use the spelling you like better; it’s not hard to correct people, and it’s not a ridiculous, difficult to remember variation that’s going to cause tons of trouble.
Thanks so much for everyone’s response! It really made me feel free to pick either spelling. Since I’ve had such a hard time choosing I asked dh and he definitely prefers [name]Teresa[/name]. So since I picked [name]May[/name] over his preference for [name]Mae[/name]. [name]Teresa[/name] [name]May[/name] it will be! I think it’s perfect! Now I just hope it’s a girl b/c boys names have been so, so, so much harder!!! I’ve given up on finding a perfect brother for the sibset.
I don’t care for it as I think most people would try to pronounce the “i”. If I was going to use [name]Teri[/name] as a nn than I might see the appeal. Thanks for the info though. Always good to have options.
[name]Teresa[/name] [name]May[/name] is beautiful!
I previously said it was a very tough choice, but that I might have a slight preference for [name]Theresa[/name]. However, after further thought that day, I feel I would probably end up going with [name]Teresa[/name] instead. I’ve always thought very highly of the name. It is way underused. [name]Teresa[/name] [name]May[/name] is SO pretty!!! It would be a fabulous choice! I hope you use it!
I can’t imagine pronunciation being a problem. I would pronounce both as "Ter-ee-sa.
So [name]Teresa[/name] [name]May[/name] might have to wait. My official ultrasound is for next month but at my dr’s appt today the doc offered to take a peek and see if he could tell. While he wasn’t certain, it certainly looked to both of us like there were boy parts. Having a baby boy will be great; naming a baby boy will be torture! I’m bummed b/c [name]Teresa[/name] [name]May[/name] is so perfect.
Yes, I pronounce them the same; tuh-ree-suh
I think the Teresa spelling will be best as your current daughter is Clare without an ‘i’ and Teresa doesn’t have the extra letter, in this case ‘h’. 
See:
Claire and Theresa
Clare and Teresa