Meaning, origin, history
The name Jessica is of Hebrew origin and means "God sees" or "God beholds". It is derived from the Hebrew name Yishak, which was borne by the patriarch Isaac in the Old Testament. The name has been popular throughout history and has been associated with various historical figures.
Jessica gained popularity during the Elizabethan era when it appeared in several Shakespeare plays, including "The Merchant of Venice" and "The Taming of the Shrew". It is believed that Shakespeare coined the name Jessica specifically for his play "The Merchant of Venice", although it had already existed previously.
In literature, Jessica is also the name of the heroine in Charlotte Bronte's novel "Jane Eyre". Throughout history, the name has been associated with strength, intelligence, and beauty. Today, Jessica remains a popular choice among parents looking for a strong, traditional name for their daughters. It continues to be ranked among the top 100 names for girls in many English-speaking countries around the world.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Jessican since 1880
Total births
5
Total since 1880
Peak year
1990
5 births
in 1990
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years