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Nessa Girl

Popularity: #892 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: NESS-uh //ˈnɛsə//

Origin: Irish; Hebrew

Meaning: Irish: 'pure'; Hebrew: 'to be a miracle'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Nessa has roots in multiple linguistic traditions, primarily deriving from the Hebrew name "Nesiah," which means "to lift up" or "to elevate." This name made its way into various cultures and languages, evolving through different forms. In the context of Irish, Nessa is often associated with the Gaelic name "Nessan," which is derived from the word "nás," meaning "a place of safety." The transition into English likely occurred through the influence of Irish and Scottish Gaelic during the medieval period, particularly as these cultures interacted with English-speaking populations.

Historically, the name Nessa is linked to several notable figures, particularly in Irish mythology. One of the most prominent is Nessa, the mother of the legendary hero Conchobar mac Nessa, who is a central figure in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology, dating back to the early medieval period.

This connection to mythological narratives has helped to solidify the name's significance in Irish cultural history. Additionally, the name appears in various forms in literature and folklore, contributing to its enduring presence in the cultural consciousness.

Culturally, Nessa has been associated with themes of strength and protection, reflecting its etymological roots. The name's connection to safety and elevation resonates with various traditional narratives that emphasize the importance of guardianship and valor.

In some contexts, diminutive forms such as Nessie have emerged, though they are less historically significant. Overall, Nessa embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution and cultural heritage, making it a name with deep historical resonance.

Famous people named Nessa

Nessa Barrett is a singer and social media personality best known for her songs like "If You Love Me" and "La Di Die.".

Nessa Diab is a radio and television personality best known for her work on MTV's "Girl Code" and "Nessa on Hot 97.".

Fictional characters named Nessa

Nessa is a fictional character from the Pokémon video game series. She is a Gym Leader known for her expertise in Water-type Pokémon.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Nessa was first seen in the United States in 1935.

Nessa has ranked as high as #1340 nationally, which occurred in 2016, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

In the past 5 years the name Nessa has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Nessa (2024)

State Births Share
NY 7
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19355
19405
19486
19636
19646
19706
19725
19735
19747
19759
197614
19778
197811
19798
198015
198113
19826
19838
19845
19859
198611
198718
19889
198911
199014
199115
199217
199317
199417
199511
199611
19976
199814
199917
200012
200117
200219
200310
200425
200531
200626
200726
200828
200931
201025
201137
201220
201332
201432
201548
201683
201774
201863
201943
202053
202159
202253
202354
202458