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Dessa Girl

Popularity: #935 · Trend: → Stable

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)

StateBirthsShare
CA 7
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188012
18817
18828
188310
18846
18859
188610
18877
188813
188917
18918
18929
18937
189410
189511
189610
189714
189812
189917
190016
190111
19037
190412
19068
19077
190811
19097
191017
19116
19129
191322
191413
191518
191620
191717
191817
191913
192016
192121
192222
192318
192414
192514
192611
192717
19288
192915
19309
193111
193223
19335
193412
19359
19369
193713
193810
193910
19407
19419
19427
19438
19445
19459
194611
194712
194817
19499
195012
195112
195218
195310
195412
195511
195618
195711
19589
195912
196012
196113
19629
196313
196413
196512
196613
196710
196812
196912
197014
19719
19727
19737
197416
197512
197611
19778
197819
197915
198017
19817
198219
198319
198413
198511
19867
198711
198816
198912
199017
19919
19928
199318
199413
19957
199611
199810
19998
200018
200131
200213
200317
200414
200521
200616
200724
200817
200912
201012
201117
201219
201319
201415
201520
201619
201718
201814
201922
202020
20215
202211
20238
202415