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Jessa Girl

Popularity: #855 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationJESS-uh / ˈdʒɛsə

Hebrew; English

Meaning

Hebrew: 'wealthy'; English: diminutive of Jessica

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Jessa is derived from the Hebrew name Yishai, which means "gift" or "God's gift." This name evolved through various linguistic transformations, passing into Greek as Iessai and then into Latin as Jesse. The name Jesse appears in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Ruth and the First Book of Samuel, where he is identified as the father of King David. The significance of Jesse in biblical history has contributed to the name's enduring presence in various cultures.

In the Middle Ages, the name Jesse was adopted in various forms across Europe, particularly in Christian contexts, due to its association with the lineage of Christ, as outlined in the Gospel of Matthew. The name was also popularized by the Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible, which helped spread its use in Christian communities. Over the centuries, Jesse has appeared in various forms and diminutives, including Jess, which has been used as a standalone name or nickname.

The name Jessa, as a feminine variant, likely emerged in the 20th century, influenced by the trend of creating softer, more modern-sounding names from traditional roots. While Jessa itself does not have a long historical record, its connection to the biblical Jesse imbues it with a sense of heritage and significance. The name resonates with themes of divine blessing and familial legacy, reflecting the cultural importance of names that signify gifts or blessings in many traditions. This historical and cultural background supports the name's appeal across different eras.

Trend Summary

Jessa has seen a rise in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Jess
  • Jesse

International Variants

  • Jéssica (Spanish)
  • Jéssica (Portuguese)

Famous people named Jessa

Jessa Duggar is a television personality best known for 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On.

Jessa Hinton is a model and actress best known for her work in various magazines and television appearances.

Fictional characters named Jessa

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Jessa was first seen in the United States in 1918. Jessa has ranked as high as #857 nationally, which occurred in 2015, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Ohio, Florida, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Jessa has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Jessa (2024)

StateBirthsShare
FL 6
29%
TX 5
24%
CA 5
24%
GA 5
24%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19185
19715
19729
19737
197410
19759
197614
197726
197835
197933
198039
198148
198224
198328
198437
198545
198637
198756
198852
198962
199085
1991101
199298
1993107
1994113
1995103
1996103
199780
199886
199984
200091
200198
200278
200392
2004116
200590
2006138
2007145
2008124
2009196
2010242
2011222
2012255
2013208
2014332
2015572
2016433
2017314
2018241
2019187
2020166
2021179
2022122
202399
202495