Dessa Girl
Origin(s)
PronunciationDEH-sah / /ˈdɛsə/Greek; English
Meaning
Greek: 'desired'; English: diminutive of names like Desdemona
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Dessa is believed to have multiple potential origins, with one prominent theory linking it to the Hebrew name "Deborah," which means "bee." This connection is supported by the phonetic similarity and the historical significance of Deborah in the Hebrew Bible as a prophetess and leader of Israel, who is celebrated for her wisdom and courage. The name Deborah made its way into Greek as "Debora" and later into Latin, before being adapted into various forms in different languages, including the diminutive "Dessa."
In terms of historical milestones, the name Deborah appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges, which dates back to the 12th century BCE. The narrative surrounding Deborah has been influential in Jewish and Christian traditions, particularly during the Renaissance when biblical figures were often revisited in literature and art. The name's association with strength and leadership has contributed to its lasting resonance in various cultures.
Culturally, the name Dessa has been embraced in various contexts, often symbolizing qualities such as industriousness and resilience, akin to the characteristics of a bee. The diminutive form "Dessa" may also evoke a sense of affection and familiarity, which has allowed it to maintain a presence in different linguistic traditions. The name's roots and associations reflect a blend of historical significance and cultural symbolism, contributing to its enduring appeal across generations.
Trend Summary
Dessa has seen a modest rise in popularity in recent years in the United States.
Similar Names
Variants
- Desa
- Desdemona
International Variants
- Désirée (French)
- Desdemona (Italian)
Famous people named Dessa
Dessa is a rapper, singer, and writer best known for her albums Parts of Speech, Chime, and Sound the Bells.
Fictional characters named Dessa
Dessa is a fictional character from the book series The Last Unicorn. She is a brave and determined young woman who seeks to uncover the truth about her family's past.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Dessa was first seen in the United States in 1880. Dessa has ranked as high as #1268 nationally, which occurred in 2001, and has been most popular in Alabama, California, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Dessa has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Dessa (1963)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 7 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 12 |
| 1881 | 7 |
| 1882 | 8 |
| 1883 | 10 |
| 1884 | 6 |
| 1885 | 9 |
| 1886 | 10 |
| 1887 | 7 |
| 1888 | 13 |
| 1889 | 17 |
| 1891 | 8 |
| 1892 | 9 |
| 1893 | 7 |
| 1894 | 10 |
| 1895 | 11 |
| 1896 | 10 |
| 1897 | 14 |
| 1898 | 12 |
| 1899 | 17 |
| 1900 | 16 |
| 1901 | 11 |
| 1903 | 7 |
| 1904 | 12 |
| 1906 | 8 |
| 1907 | 7 |
| 1908 | 11 |
| 1909 | 7 |
| 1910 | 17 |
| 1911 | 6 |
| 1912 | 9 |
| 1913 | 22 |
| 1914 | 13 |
| 1915 | 18 |
| 1916 | 20 |
| 1917 | 17 |
| 1918 | 17 |
| 1919 | 13 |
| 1920 | 16 |
| 1921 | 21 |
| 1922 | 22 |
| 1923 | 18 |
| 1924 | 14 |
| 1925 | 14 |
| 1926 | 11 |
| 1927 | 17 |
| 1928 | 8 |
| 1929 | 15 |
| 1930 | 9 |
| 1931 | 11 |
| 1932 | 23 |
| 1933 | 5 |
| 1934 | 12 |
| 1935 | 9 |
| 1936 | 9 |
| 1937 | 13 |
| 1938 | 10 |
| 1939 | 10 |
| 1940 | 7 |
| 1941 | 9 |
| 1942 | 7 |
| 1943 | 8 |
| 1944 | 5 |
| 1945 | 9 |
| 1946 | 11 |
| 1947 | 12 |
| 1948 | 17 |
| 1949 | 9 |
| 1950 | 12 |
| 1951 | 12 |
| 1952 | 18 |
| 1953 | 10 |
| 1954 | 12 |
| 1955 | 11 |
| 1956 | 18 |
| 1957 | 11 |
| 1958 | 9 |
| 1959 | 12 |
| 1960 | 12 |
| 1961 | 13 |
| 1962 | 9 |
| 1963 | 13 |
| 1964 | 13 |
| 1965 | 12 |
| 1966 | 13 |
| 1967 | 10 |
| 1968 | 12 |
| 1969 | 12 |
| 1970 | 14 |
| 1971 | 9 |
| 1972 | 7 |
| 1973 | 7 |
| 1974 | 16 |
| 1975 | 12 |
| 1976 | 11 |
| 1977 | 8 |
| 1978 | 19 |
| 1979 | 15 |
| 1980 | 17 |
| 1981 | 7 |
| 1982 | 19 |
| 1983 | 19 |
| 1984 | 13 |
| 1985 | 11 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 11 |
| 1988 | 16 |
| 1989 | 12 |
| 1990 | 17 |
| 1991 | 9 |
| 1992 | 8 |
| 1993 | 18 |
| 1994 | 13 |
| 1995 | 7 |
| 1996 | 11 |
| 1998 | 10 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 18 |
| 2001 | 31 |
| 2002 | 13 |
| 2003 | 17 |
| 2004 | 14 |
| 2005 | 21 |
| 2006 | 16 |
| 2007 | 24 |
| 2008 | 17 |
| 2009 | 12 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2011 | 17 |
| 2012 | 19 |
| 2013 | 19 |
| 2014 | 15 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2017 | 18 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 22 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 15 |