Origin and Meaning of Jess

Derived from the name Jessica, meaning 'to foresighted' or 'to enrich'.

Origin: English - Jess is often considered a diminutive or short form of the name Jessica, which was coined by William Shakespeare in his play 'The Merchant of Venice'.

• Jess can be used as a unisex name, though it is more commonly given to females in contemporary usage.
• In different cultures, variations like Jes or Jesse can be found, often with different meanings or associations.
• Notable bearers of the name include actress Jess Weixler and singer Jess Glynne, both recognized in their respective fields.
• The name Jessica, and consequently Jess, gained widespread popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, influenced by Shakespeare's usage and pop culture references.
• Related names and variations include Jesse (which is typically male), Jessica, and Jessa.