Jess

♀ Girl

Pronounced JES /ˈdʒɛs/High

Meaning: Jess is a crisp short form of Jessica or Jessie, tied to the Hebrew name Jesse (Yishai), often glossed 'God beholds; gift'. A friendly one-beat name.Low

In 30 seconds: A friendly one-beat name: Jess is short for Jessica, tied to 'God beholds' (said 'JES').

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Origin MediumEnglish, Hebrew

MeaningJess is a crisp short form of Jessica or Jessie, tied to the Hebrew name Jesse (Yishai), often glossed 'God beholds; gift'. A friendly one-beat name.

U.S. rank (2024)#12684 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1991

Total births (all-time)≈ 477

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

As a girl's name, Jess is a short form of Jessica or Jessie, linked to the Hebrew Jesse, 'God beholds'. Long used as a friendly nickname turned standalone. A crisp, one-beat pick (said 'JES').

It appears only rarely as a full given name for girls in the U.S. Rare on its own, warm, and classic.

Did you know? Jess trims Jessica or Jessie to a single warm beat, echoing the Hebrew Jesse, often glossed 'God beholds; gift'. Approachable and timeless (said 'JES').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Jess — Short form of Jessica/Jessie; tied to Hebrew Jesse

Variations

JessieJesseJessa

Nicknames

JessieJay

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Jess…

Jessie— the fuller nickname Jess spins from

Jessica— the base name Jess shortens

Tess— a like short one-beat pick

Jane— the same classic feel

Joyce— another short pick

Explore names like Jess

By themeheritage classic short friendly

By meaningGod / Divine Gift / Blessing

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Jess mean?

Jess is a short form of Jessica or Jessie, linked to the Hebrew Jesse, often glossed 'God beholds; gift'.

How do you pronounce Jess?

It's said JES /ˈdʒɛs/ — one syllable.

Is Jess a boy or girl name?

Jess is used mainly for girls, though it can be short for boys' names like Jesse too.

How popular is Jess?

Jess is a rare full given name for girls in the U.S.