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Jesse Unisex

Popularity: #179 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationJES-ee / /ˈdʒɛsi/

Hebrew; English

Meaning

Hebrew: 'God is my salvation'; English: diminutive of Jesse

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Jesse has its roots in the Hebrew name יִשַׁי (Yishai), which is derived from the Hebrew word "yishai," meaning "gift" or "God's gift." This name appears in the Old Testament of the Bible, where Jesse is notably recognized as the father of King David, a significant figure in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. The name was transliterated into Greek as Ἰεσσαί (Iessai) in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, and later into Latin as Iessus, which eventually influenced its adoption into Old French as Jessé before entering the English language in the medieval period.

Historically, Jesse's prominence is anchored in biblical narratives, particularly in the context of the lineage of David, which is crucial to the genealogies presented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The name is also referenced in the prophetic writings of Isaiah, where it is used to symbolize the root of Jesse, a metaphor for the coming of the Messiah. This biblical significance has contributed to the name's endurance through centuries, as it has been borne by various saints and figures in Christian history.

Culturally, Jesse has been associated with themes of leadership, divine favor, and familial legacy, reflecting the importance of lineage in biblical texts. The name has also been embraced in various artistic and literary works, reinforcing its resonance in Western culture. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Jess or Jessie have emerged, often used affectionately or informally, although the name Jesse itself remains the most recognized form. Overall, the historical and cultural significance of Jesse underscores its lasting impact across different eras and traditions.

Trend Summary

Jesse has experienced fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the 1990s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Jess
  • Jessey

International Variants

  • Jesse (Dutch)
  • Jesse (Spanish)
  • Jesse (French)

Famous people named Jesse

Jesse Owens is an athlete best known for winning four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Jesse Jackson is a civil rights activist best known for founding the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and running for U.S. President.

Jesse Metcalfe is an actor best known for Desperate Housewives, John Tucker Must Die, and Chesapeake Shores.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is an actor best known for Modern Family, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Uncoupled.

Jesse L. Martin is an actor best known for Law & Order, Rent, and The Flash.

Jesse Plemons is an actor best known for Friday Night Lights, Fargo, and Breaking Bad.

Jesse McCartney is a singer and actor best known for Beautiful Soul, and his roles in Young Justice and Alvin and the Chipmunks.

Jesse James is a television personality and entrepreneur best known for Monster Garage and West Coast Choppers.

Jesse Ventura is a former professional wrestler and actor best known for Predator and Running Man.

Fictional characters named Jesse

Jesse Pinkman is a fictional character from the TV series Breaking Bad. He is a former student of Walter White who becomes his partner in the methamphetamine business.

Jesse McCartney is a fictional character from the animated series Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal. He is a skilled duelist and a member of the main cast who helps the protagonist in their battles.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Jesse was first seen in the United States in 1880. Jesse has ranked as high as #66 nationally, which occurred in 1981, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. In the past 5 years the name Jesse has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Jesse (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 270
14%
TX 261
14%
NY 88
5%
FL 85
5%
OH 83
4%
PA 73
4%
NC 70
4%
GA 66
4%
WA 55
3%
IL 54
3%
UT 50
3%
AZ 49
3%
TN 49
3%
VA 45
2%
MO 44
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880569
1881536
1882660
1883584
1884670
1885556
1886614
1887601
1888637
1889576
1890576
1891519
1892602
1893541
1894567
1895577
1896586
1897529
1898476
1899423
1900536
1901411
1902437
1903388
1904443
1905443
1906436
1907466
1908482
1909517
1910590
1911596
19121,106
19131,214
19141,457
19152,111
19162,230
19172,200
19182,433
19192,356
19202,420
19212,486
19222,395
19232,387
19242,292
19252,373
19262,298
19272,318
19282,171
19292,030
19302,035
19311,895
19321,863
19331,804
19341,853
19351,866
19361,827
19371,864
19381,912
19392,010
19402,205
19412,184
19422,397
19432,425
19442,311
19452,187
19462,467
19472,751
19482,705
19492,704
19502,607
19512,670
19522,721
19532,818
19542,760
19552,786
19562,626
19572,737
19582,489
19592,440
19602,375
19612,305
19622,273
19632,229
19642,185
19652,212
19662,316
19672,186
19682,146
19692,378
19702,768
19713,003
19723,226
19733,442
19744,106
19754,436
19765,301
19775,823
19786,107
19796,680
19808,376
198110,444
19829,504
19838,469
19847,609
19858,222
19868,542
19877,982
19887,912
19898,855
19908,977
19918,368
19928,562
19938,263
19948,682
19957,495
19967,075
19975,920
19985,444
19995,004
20004,485
20014,222
20024,431
20034,606
20044,760
20054,746
20064,370
20074,130
20083,954
20093,685
20103,278
20112,973
20122,711
20132,569
20142,469
20152,357
20162,309
20172,105
20182,144
20191,978
20201,885
20211,905
20221,975
20231,823
20241,980