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Essence

♂ Boy

Pronounced EH-senss /ˈɛs.əns/Medium

Meaning: From the English word 'essence' — the core or true nature of a thing (via Latin essentia, 'being'). Used mostly as a girl's word name; used here for a boy, which we note.Medium

In 30 seconds: A word name: Essence means the core, the true nature of a thing (said 'EH-senss'). Usually a girl's name — we note the lean.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningFrom the English word 'essence' — the core or true nature of a thing (via Latin essentia, 'being'). Used mostly as a girl's word name; used here for a boy, which we note.

U.S. rank (2025)#11078 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 17

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Essence is an English word name — 'the core; the true nature of a thing' (from Latin essentia). It rose as a girls' word name; used here for a boy, it reads as a rare cross-sex choice, which we note (said 'EH-senss').

For boys it appears only very rarely in the U.S., against far heavier girls' use. Rare, word-style, and cross-sex.

Did you know? Essence comes straight from the word for the true nature of a thing (Latin essentia, 'being'). It's used almost always for girls, so here it's a cross-sex pick, which we note (said 'EH-senss').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Essence — English word name; usually a girl's; cross-sex here

Variations

EssenseEsenceEssynce

Nicknames

EssEssy

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Essence…

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Amir— a like meaning-forward name

Cadence— the same modern feel

Kadence— echoes that soft -ce sound

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Essence mean?

Essence is a word name meaning 'the core; the true nature of a thing,' from Latin essentia ('being').

How do you pronounce Essence?

It's said EH-senss /ˈɛs.əns/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Essence a boy or girl name?

Here Essence is used as a boy's name, though it's used far more often for girls — we note the lean.

How popular is Essence?

Essence is very rare for boys in the U.S. and more common for girls.