Jesse

♂ Boy

Pronounced JES-ee /ˈdʒɛs.i/High

Meaning: Gift; possibly 'God exists' or 'wealthy'; from Hebrew YishaiHigh

In 30 seconds: A warm biblical name meaning 'gift' or 'God exists,' borne by Jesse, father of King David. Its approachable, two-syllable sound has given it cross-generational appeal.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningGift; possibly 'God exists' or 'wealthy'; from Hebrew Yishai

Peak year1981

Total births (all-time)≈ 416,530

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Jesse comes from the Hebrew Yishai (יִשַׁי), whose precise meaning is debated. Most scholars suggest 'gift' or possibly 'God exists' or 'wealthy man.' In the Hebrew Bible, Jesse is the father of King David and thus an ancestor of the promised Messiah. The name entered English use through Biblical tradition.

Jesse has been used in the English-speaking world since the Puritan era. It was popular in the 19th-century United States, associated with figures like outlaw Jesse James and abolitionist Jesse Owens. It remains a consistently popular name, ranking in the top 200 U.S. boys' names today.

Did you know? In the Bible, Jesse of Bethlehem was the father of King David, making Jesse a key figure in both the Jewish and Christian messianic lineages — often poetically called the root of the 'Jesse Tree.'

Variations

JessieJess

Nicknames

Jess

Famous Bearers

★Jesse Owens (1913–1980)
American track and field athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
★Jesse James (1847–1882)
American outlaw of the Old West, among the most famous figures in frontier mythology.

If you like Jesse…

Caleb— another accessible Hebrew biblical name with a warm tone

Eli— short biblical Hebrew name with a similar gentle strength

Joel— Old Testament name with the same two-syllable biblical ease

Levi— Hebrew biblical name equally popular in contemporary America

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jesse mean?

Jesse is a Hebrew name meaning 'gift' or possibly 'God exists.' In the Bible, Jesse was the father of King David.

How do you pronounce Jesse?

Jesse is pronounced JES-ee (/ˈdʒɛs.i/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Jesse a boy or girl name?

Jesse is predominantly a boy's name; Jessie is a variant used for both sexes.

How popular is Jesse?

Jesse has been a consistent top-200 U.S. boys' name for decades, popular for its biblical roots and friendly sound.