All about the name

Jess

Female

« Jess is a unisex name of English origin, derived from Jessica, created by Shakespeare for 'The Merchant of Venice'. It can also have Hebrew associations like 'God sees' or 'God's gift', though Jess itself has no specific meaning in Hebrew. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Jess is a name of English origin, derived from the name Jessica. The name Jessica was created by Sir William Shakespeare for his play "The Merchant of Venice," where it belonged to one of the main characters. It is believed that Shakespeare took inspiration from the male name Jesse and added the feminine suffix "-ca" to create Jessica. In Hebrew, the name Jesse means "God sees" or "God's gift." Therefore, Jess can also be associated with these meanings. However, since Jess is a shorter version of Jessica, it does not have its own specific meaning in Hebrew. The name Jess gained popularity as a unisex name in the late 20th century. It has been used for both boys and girls, although it tends to be more commonly used for females today. The name has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, television, and film, contributing to its familiarity and recognition. Overall, Jess is a short and modern-sounding name with roots in English literature and Hebrew language. Its meanings are associated with the original name Jessica, making it a versatile choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Jess since 1880

Total births
470
Total since 1880
Peak year
1991
16 births
in 2023
10
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+112%
vs previous 5 years