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Home › Baby Names Directory › Essa

Essa

♀ Girl

Pronounced ESS-ah /ˈɛs.ə/Medium

Meaning: A short name that arises as a pet form of Esther, Vanessa, or Tessa, and separately as an Arabic name (a form of Isa/Aisha in some readings). Routes are uncertain, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A crisp short name: Essa doubles as a nickname and an Arabic name (said 'ESS-ah'). Routes are uncertain, which we note.
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Origin LowEnglish, Arabic
MeaningA short name that arises as a pet form of Esther, Vanessa, or Tessa, and separately as an Arabic name (a form of Isa/Aisha in some readings). Routes are uncertain, which we note.
U.S. rank (2024)#12532 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 216

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202318852024

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Essa arises both as a nickname (Esther, Vanessa, Tessa) and as an Arabic name. Routes are uncertain, which we note (said 'ESS-ah'). Short and soft.

It appears only rarely for girls in the U.S. Rare, short, and soft.

Did you know? Essa works as a pet form of Esther or Vanessa and also stands alone as an Arabic name — routes are uncertain, which we note.
Overall data confidence 34%
References — Essa — Short of Esther/Vanessa; also Arabic; routes uncertain

Variations

EsaEssahTessa

Nicknames

EssEssie

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Essa…

Tessa— a like short -essa name
Vanessa— a source name for Essa
Esther— a source name for Essa
Nessa— a like tidy -essa pick

Explore names like Essa

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Essa mean?

Essa is a short form of Esther, Vanessa, or Tessa, and also an Arabic name. Routes are uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Essa?

It's said ESS-ah /ˈɛs.ə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Essa a boy or girl name?

Essa is used here as a girl's name.

How popular is Essa?

Essa is a rare name for girls in the U.S.

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