The name Hess is of German origin, derived from the word 'Hessisch', which means 'of Hesse'. It was traditionally used as both a surname and a given name. The Hess family are known to have originated in the region of Hesse, Germany, with some records dating back to the 12th century.
The name Hess has been worn by individuals throughout history who have made notable contributions in various fields. In the 18th century, Johann Christian Hess was a German painter known for his portraits and landscapes. In more recent times, the name is associated with the American jazz composer and pianist, Hampton Hawes, whose birth name was Charles Edward Hess.
As a given name, Hess has been used by families who wanted to honor their German heritage or simply chose it due to its unique sound and short length. It typically carries one syllable and ends with an 's' sound, which can make it appealing as both a boys' or girls' name.
In popular culture, the name Hess appears in various forms of media. In literature, there's a character named Hess in the novel "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro. In film, Hess is used as a surname for a few characters, such as the protagonist's father in the movie "Rushmore".
"Only two years show any births with the name Hess; both times, five babies were named Hess."