Jessica is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the masculine name Jesse, which means "God sees" or "God beholds". The name Jessica was popularized in the English-speaking world by Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice", where it appears as one of the main characters' names.
The use of the name Jessica dates back to at least the 14th century. In medieval times, it was often given to girls born on Easter Sunday or to those whose parents wished to emphasize their faith and religious devotion. The name gained further popularity in the Victorian era, particularly among families of wealth and social standing.
Throughout history, many notable individuals have borne the name Jessica. For example, Jessica Mitford (1917-1996) was a prominent British-American journalist, political activist, and author. Additionally, actresses such as Jessica Lange and Jessica Biel have carried on the fame of this elegant name into modern times.
Today, Jessica remains a popular choice for parents naming their daughters. It has consistently ranked among the top 500 names for girls in the United States since the 1970s. With its Latin roots and strong historical background, the name Jessica continues to embody elegance, intelligence, and spirituality.
The name Jessica has been a popular choice for parents in the United States since the 1970s. Between 1974 and 2003, there were a total of 383 babies named Jessica born each year on average.
During this period, the popularity of the name Jessica peaked in 1987 with 32 births that year. This was followed by another peak in 1988 with 30 births. However, the popularity of the name began to decline in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with only 16 births in 1991 and 13 births in 1992.
Interestingly, there was a resurgence in the popularity of the name Jessica in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In fact, between 2001 and 2003, there were six babies named Jessica born each year on average.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Jessica has fluctuated over the years, it remains a timeless choice for parents looking to give their daughter a strong and memorable name.