Katessa is a unique, modern-sounding feminine given name of Greek origin, derived from Katherine and Alexandra. It was popularized by American author Kathleen E. Woodiwiss in her 1983 romance novel 'Ashes in the Wind', where she introduced the character Katessa.
"The name Katessa experienced fluctuations in popularity between the years 1973 and 1993, with peaks occurring around 1983 (11 births) and a more consistent average of 5-8 births per year thereafter."