Essex is an intriguing, uncommon English given name of uncertain origin. Some suggest it may have originated as a variant spelling of the surname Essex, which is believed to derive from the county of that name in eastern England. The county's name is thought to come from the Old English words 'east' and 'scæp', meaning 'east district'. Alternatively, it has been proposed that Essex could be a shortened form of names like Esmond or Esdras. Regardless of its origins, this unique moniker has been employed occasionally as a given name since at least the 17th century.
"In 2023 alone, eight babies were named Essex."