Jesse is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew name Yishai, which means "God will exist." It is also associated with the biblical figure Jesse, who was the father of King David in the Old Testament.
The name Jesse gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Middle Ages due to its use in literature and religion. It was used as a given name for boys, although it was more commonly used as a surname. In the 19th century, the name began to be used more frequently as a given name, particularly in the United States.
Today, Jesse is considered a classic boy's name, with a timeless and traditional feel. It has consistently ranked among the most popular names for boys in English-speaking countries over the past few decades. Variations of the name include Jess, Jessie, and Jas.
The name Jesse has had a rollercoaster ride of popularity over the past century and a half in the United States. In the late 19th century, it was quite popular, with nearly 600 births per year between 1880 and 1897. However, its popularity declined sharply in the early 20th century, dropping to around 400 births per year by 1905.
Jesse's popularity remained relatively low throughout the first half of the 20th century, with fewer than 3000 births per year during this period. However, it began to gain traction again in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with over 5000 births per year between 1969 and 1974.
The name Jesse reached its peak popularity in the United States in the mid-1980s, with over 10,000 births per year between 1983 and 1987. However, it has since declined in popularity once again, with fewer than 2500 births per year in recent years.
As of 2022, Jesse is still a relatively popular name among American parents, but its peak popularity appears to have passed. It will be interesting to see if Jesse's popularity continues to decline or if it begins to trend upward again in the coming years.