The name Jessica is of Hebrew origin and means "God sees" or "God beholds". It is derived from the Hebrew name Yishak, which was borne by the patriarch Isaac in the Old Testament. The name has been popular throughout history and has been associated with various historical figures.
Jessica gained popularity during the Elizabethan era when it appeared in several Shakespeare plays, including "The Merchant of Venice" and "The Taming of the Shrew". It is believed that Shakespeare coined the name Jessica specifically for his play "The Merchant of Venice", although it had already existed previously.
In literature, Jessica is also the name of the heroine in Charlotte Bronte's novel "Jane Eyre". Throughout history, the name has been associated with strength, intelligence, and beauty. Today, Jessica remains a popular choice among parents looking for a strong, traditional name for their daughters. It continues to be ranked among the top 100 names for girls in many English-speaking countries around the world.
According to data from the United States Social Security Administration, the name Jessica has seen a steady decline in popularity over the past few decades.
In 1990, there were only five babies named Jessica born in the United States out of a total of approximately four million births that year. This represents just a fraction of one percent (0.00125%) of all births in the U.S. during that time period.
Despite this low figure, it's important to note that having an uncommon name like Jessica does not diminish its value or significance for those who bear it. Every person is unique and special, regardless of how many others share their name.
Additionally, the popularity of a name can fluctuate over time due to various factors such as cultural trends and personal preferences. While Jessica may have been less common in 1990 compared to other years, it remains a beloved name with its own distinctive character and history.