Jess is a popular given name for both boys and girls. Its origins can be traced back to various cultures.
For girls, the name Jess is often considered a shortened form of Jessica or Jessie. Jessica is derived from the Hebrew name Yiskah, which means "God sees" or "God beholds." This name was first used in England during the Victorian era as a feminine form of the Latin masculine name Jesse, which was derived from the Hebrew word yishai meaning "God sees."
For boys, Jess can be short for names such as Jesse or Joshua. Jesse is also derived from the Hebrew word yishai and means "God sees" as well. Joshua is a Hebrew name that means "God is salvation."
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Jess. One famous example is Jessamine "Jess"amine Bush, who was the First Lady of the United States during her husband George W. Bush's presidency.
In popular culture, the name Jess has also gained recognition through various characters in movies and television shows. For instance, Jessica Wakefield is a main character in the popular Sweet Valley High book series by Francine Pascal, which was adapted into a TV show in the 1990s.
Overall, while the name Jess has varied origins depending on whether it's used for boys or girls, its meaning remains consistent across genders: "God sees." This powerful and spiritual meaning may contribute to its enduring popularity as a given name.
The name "Jess" has been a part of the American landscape for over a century, with its first recorded appearance in 1880 when 103 babies were named Jess. The popularity of this name fluctuated throughout the years, reaching its peak in 1977 with 346 births.
From 1880 to 1920, the number of births with the name Jess ranged between a low of 67 in 1906 and a high of 577 in 1915. However, from 1920 onwards, there was a noticeable decline in its popularity, with the annual number of births rarely exceeding three digits.
Starting from the 1930s until around the late 1980s, Jess's popularity seemed to stabilize, hovering between 100 and 300 births per year. Nevertheless, since the early 1990s, there has been a consistent decline in its usage as a baby name.
In recent years, the number of babies named Jess has decreased significantly. Between 2000 and 2022, there were only 758 recorded births with this name. This represents less than 3% of the total number of births during that period (approximately 25,000). Despite its decline in popularity, Jess remains a historic and timeless name choice for parents looking for something unique but not overly trendy.
In conclusion, while the popularity of the name Jess has waxed and waned over time, it continues to be used sparingly even today. Its history spans more than 140 years, reflecting its enduring appeal among American parents seeking a distinctive name for their children.