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Tessa Girl

Popularity: #281 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationTES-uh / /ˈtɛsə/

Greek; English

Meaning

Greek: harvester; English: to gather

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Tessa is derived from the Greek name Therasia, which itself is a diminutive form of the name Teresa. The name Teresa has uncertain origins, but it is often linked to the Greek word 'therizo,' meaning 'to harvest.' The name entered the English language through various adaptations, including the Spanish and Portuguese forms of Teresa, which became popular in the Middle Ages. The transition into English occurred during the Renaissance, when classical names were revived and adapted into various vernacular forms, including Tessa.

Historically, the name Teresa gained prominence due to notable figures such as Saint Teresa of Ávila, a 16th-century Spanish mystic and reformer of the Carmelite order. Her canonization in 1614 and subsequent recognition as a Doctor of the Church in 1970 solidified the name's significance within Christian contexts. The name Tessa emerged as a popular diminutive of Teresa in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as affectionate forms of names became more common.

Culturally, Tessa has been associated with qualities such as harvest, nurturing, and spiritual depth, reflecting the roots of its parent name, Teresa. The name has been embraced in various literary and artistic contexts, often symbolizing strength and resilience. While Tessa is primarily recognized as a diminutive, it has also gained independent status in some cultures, further enhancing its resonance. The name's enduring appeal can be attributed to its historical associations and the positive attributes linked to its etymological roots.

Trend Summary

Tessa has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Tess
  • Tessie

International Variants

  • Teresa (Spanish)
  • Terese (Norwegian)
  • Tereza (Czech)

Famous people named Tessa

Tessa Thompson is an actress best known for Creed, Thor: Ragnarok, and Westworld.

Tessa Virtue is a figure skater best known for winning Olympic gold medals and World Championships with Scott Moir.

Fictional characters named Tessa

Tessa Gray is a fictional character from the book series The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare. She is a young woman with the ability to shapeshift into other people's forms, playing a crucial role in the fight against dark forces in Victorian London.

Tessa Thompson is a fictional character from the film Annihilation. She is a biologist who joins a dangerous expedition into a mysterious quarantined zone known as 'The Shimmer'.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Tessa was first seen in the United States in 1891. Tessa has ranked as high as #397 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Tessa has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Tessa (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 96
10%
CA 83
9%
NY 66
7%
IL 58
6%
PA 57
6%
FL 40
4%
NJ 38
4%
MA 31
3%
NC 29
3%
CO 27
3%
OH 26
3%
WA 25
3%
CT 24
2%
IN 23
2%
MO 23
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18916
18928
18937
18945
18955
19005
19045
19157
19165
191811
19205
19217
19228
19237
19245
19295
19386
19395
19439
194431
194536
194630
194732
194822
194923
195017
195115
195216
195317
195411
195520
19567
195713
195815
195934
196024
196147
196231
196343
1964140
1965108
1966119
196796
1968115
1969144
1970180
1971215
1972209
1973309
1974285
1975289
1976341
1977262
1978441
1979438
1980361
1981571
1982650
1983816
1984777
1985683
1986619
1987566
1988588
1989694
1990955
19911,149
19921,164
19931,259
19941,158
19951,119
19961,254
19971,358
19981,377
19991,248
20001,210
20011,047
20021,064
20031,112
20041,184
20051,224
20061,354
20071,753
20081,659
20091,568
20101,427
20111,391
20121,366
20131,324
20141,526
20151,560
20161,394
20171,295
20181,329
20191,266
20201,135
20211,116
2022972
2023964
20241,034