Jess
Jess is a boy's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Gift or Jehovah exists.
Origin and history
Jess is historically a diminutive or standalone form of Jesse, derived from the Hebrew name Yishai. It has a long history of traditional use in the United States, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it remains a recognized classic name, though less common than its parent form.
Popularity in the United States
25,063 babies in the United States have been named Jess since 1880. It ranks #740 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1798.
States where it is most popular
- CA (22.9 %)
- TX (9.4 %)
- OK (7 %)
- OH (4.7 %)
- IL (3.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 1,182 |
| 1890-1900 | 1,013 |
| 1900-1910 | 897 |
| 1910-1920 | 2,974 |
| 1920-1930 | 2,653 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,699 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,998 |
| 1950-1960 | 2,447 |
| 1960-1970 | 2,315 |
| 1970-1980 | 2,781 |
| 1980-1990 | 2,565 |
| 1990-2000 | 1,424 |
| 2000-2010 | 681 |
| 2010-2019 | 305 |
| 2020-2029 | 129 |
Famous people named Jess
- Jess Willard: Boxer, World Heavyweight Champion
- Jess Stacy: Pianist, Musician
Fun facts
- Jess was significantly more popular in the late 19th century, frequently appearing in the top 200 male names in the United States.
- The name shares its etymological origin with Jesse, referring to the father of King David in the Hebrew Bible.