All about the name

Jessical

Female

« Jessica is an English feminine given name derived from the Latin "Iōsephus," meaning "God shall increase." Its popularity can be traced back to Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice" during the Elizabethan era, and it remains popular today in English-speaking countries like the United States. »

#38636 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Jessica is a feminine given name of English origin. It is derived from the Latin word "Iōsephus," which means "God shall increase." The name has been popular for centuries, with its roots tracing back to the Hebrew Bible. In the Bible, Jessica is not mentioned directly but is believed to have been a variation of the name "Jesse," which was the father of King David. The name Jesse means "God's gift" or "God's promise." Therefore, Jessica can be interpreted as a derivative of this name and shares its religious significance. The name Jessica gained popularity during the Elizabethan era in England, thanks to Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice." In the play, Jessica is the daughter of Shylock and plays a significant role. After that, the name became more widely used, and by the mid-20th century, it had become quite popular. Today, Jessica remains a popular name for girls in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is often associated with qualities like intelligence, charm, and grace, but it's important to note that these traits are not inherent to the name itself but rather vary from person to person.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Jessical since 1880

Total births
34
Total since 1880
Peak year
1988
7 births
in 1992
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years