Tessa

♀ Girl

Pronounced TES-uh /ˈtɛsə/High

Meaning: Harvester; to reap — as a diminutive of TheresaMedium

In 30 seconds: A warm, diminutive form of Theresa meaning 'harvester.' Tessa has the easy confidence of a name that does not need to try hard — two crisp syllables, quietly charming, and gracefully timeless.

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Origin HighGreek, English

MeaningHarvester; to reap — as a diminutive of Theresa

U.S. rank (2025)#311 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births978 girls (0.06% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2007

Total births (all-time)≈ 55,914

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Tessa is an English diminutive of Theresa (also spelled Teresa), whose etymology is uncertain. The most commonly cited origin is the Greek therizo (to harvest, to reap), giving the meaning 'harvester.' Another theory derives it from the Greek island Therasia (modern Thirasia, near Santorini). The name was spread by Saint Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582) and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897).

Tessa has been used as a given name independently of Theresa in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, associated with the story of Tessa in George Eliot's Romola (1863). It entered the U.S. top 200 for girls and has been rising as a fresh, uncluttered alternative to names like Tessa, Elsa, and Bella.

Did you know? The etymology of Theresa — and therefore Tessa — is one of naming's enduring puzzles: it may derive from the Greek island of Therasia near Santorini, from therizo (to harvest), or from another Greek root entirely.

Overall data confidence 82%

Behind the Name — Tessa — etymology notesU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

TheresaTeresaTessie

Nicknames

TessTessie

Famous Bearers

★Tessa Thompson (1983–present)
American actress known for her roles in Thor: Ragnarok and the Men in Black franchise.

If you like Tessa…

Elsa— short, bright two-syllable classic with the same clean, no-nonsense European elegance

Nora— brief Irish-origin classic with the same warm, understated two-syllable appeal

Stella— Latin two-syllable name with the same bright, vintage-revival character

Vera— brief European classic with the same crisp, timeless directness

Frequently Asked

What does the name Tessa mean?

Tessa is a diminutive of Theresa, thought to mean 'harvester' from the Greek therizo (to harvest), though the precise etymology is debated.

How do you pronounce Tessa?

It is said TES-uh /ˈtɛsə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Tessa a boy or girl name?

Tessa is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Tessa?

Tessa ranked in the U.S. top 200 for girls and continues to rise.