Origin and Meaning of Jessa

Meaning & Origin

Wealthy or God beholds

Origin: Hebrew - A contraction of the name Jessica, which itself is derived from the Hebrew name Yiskah, meaning 'foresight'.

Interesting Facts

  • Jessa is often considered a modern spin on the classic name Jessica, which gained massive popularity after William Shakespeare used it in 'The Merchant of Venice'.
  • Though originally an English name, Jessa has seen usage in various English-speaking cultures and has been embraced in places like the United States and Canada.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Jessa Duggar, a reality TV star from the show '19 Kids and Counting', which has contributed to the name’s popularity in recent years.
  • Jessa has been steadily gaining popularity in the 21st century, particularly in the U.S., as parents seek fresh and unique alternatives to more traditional names.
  • Variations of the name Jessa include Jess, Jessica, and Jessamine, each offering its own charm while maintaining a similar sound.