The name Tess is of Greek origin and means "harvester" or "to gather". It is a short form of the name Thestia, which was the goddess of hearth and home in Greek mythology. The name Tess has been used as a given name for girls since at least the 19th century, although it gained popularity during the mid-20th century. Today, Tess remains a popular choice among parents looking for a unique yet classic name for their daughters.
The name Tess experienced a significant rise in popularity from the late 1960s onwards, with only sporadic instances of its usage prior to that period. Between 1889 and 1966, the number of births named Tess remained relatively low, ranging between 5 and 27 per year. However, starting in 1967, there was a notable increase, with over 50 births each year for several years running. This trend continued until the late 1980s, when the name reached its peak popularity with over 400 births annually between 1989 and 1992. Since then, Tess's popularity has steadily declined, dropping to just under 150 births in 2023.