Straw poll - Tessa vs Theresa

[GwendolineMaryLacedwithBrandy]

Considering Tessa for dd2. I think it is common enough now as a standalone name, rather than a nickname for Theresa (which I don't like). So, one word answers please! Tessa or Theresa on bc?

TIA

[LaFilleSurLePont]

Tessa.

[Selks]

Tessa

[33goingon64]

Can you not name her Theresa but shorten it to Tessa?

[dabug]

Theresa
But that's just us. T(h)eresa with nn Tessa is one of our leading contenders. I think you could get away with just Tessa if you want.

[Collision]

Tessa

[GwendolineMaryLacedwithBrandy]

I hate Theresa with a passion so if she's going to get a lifetime of people assuming she's Theresa then I'd rather not use it. I just wondered what the majority would think if they were introduced to someone called Tessa.

[TopazMortmain]

Tessa!

[MissHonkover]

Tessa is romantic and beautiful. Theresa isn't I'm afraid.

[Diamondwhite]

I would say Tessa nn tess. If you hate Theresa don't use it!

[lottiegb]

Tessa, I wouldn't think she was necessarily Theresa at all.

[changer22]

Tessa. It sounds quite different to me to Theresa.

[south345]

I know a Thessaly known as tess

[HappyHippyChick]

My heart says Theresa as it's my nans name, but I prefer Tessa and think it stands alone just fine.

[MMMarmite]

Gwendoline, I have a friend called Tessa and it's never occured to me until this minute that it might be short for Theresa! Maybe I'm being dense, but in my mind Tessa is a complete name in itself.

[GwendolineMaryLacedwithBrandy]

Thank you. :) It looks promising. My mother (and others of her ilk) have poo poo-ed it as being a nickname only but I think it's fine on its own.

[HereKittyKitty]

I do think Tessa is a name on it's own, but actually rather like Theresa/ My middle name is Therese (can't do the accents) and I think it is really pretty.

[Mrsfromwales]

If I met a Tessa I would assume that was her full stand alone name. would never associate Tessa with Theresa TBH.

I know two Theresa's and one is just known as Theresa and the other as Terri.

Tess Daly- not sure if her name is short for anything else but I consider Tess or Tessa stand alone names. X

[EdithWeston]

Theresa with Tessa as nn - gives her more options.

[AnotherMincepie]

Theresa - I'd assume Tessa was short for T(h)eresa.

[mumzy]

Theresa is a very religious name so for Tessa or Tess

[Kelly281]

Tessa

[wigglesrock]

I love the name Tess but can't stand Teresa, always puts me in mind of the girl at school who told on you for smoking or snogging

I too would consider Tess or Tessa as a stand alone name.

[DumSpiroSperHoHoHo]

Definitely Tessa - although I love it shortened to Tess.

[missismac]

I am a Tessa (outing self here). I really like my name & always have (thanks Mum). I've never ever associated myself with Theresa and was quite surprised when, aged about 15, someone asked me for the first time if my name was short for anything.

I'd definitely say Tessa. :)