Jess

♂ Boy

Pronounced JESS /ˈdʒɛs/High

Meaning: Short form of Jesse — from Hebrew Yishai, 'gift' or 'God exists/my husband' — King David's father; here for boysMedium

In 30 seconds: Crisp and warm: Jess shortens Jesse — 'gift' (King David's father). Friendly, classic, and unisex.

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Origin MediumHebrew

MeaningShort form of Jesse — from Hebrew Yishai, 'gift' or 'God exists/my husband' — King David's father; here for boys

U.S. rank (2025)#5299 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births18 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1915

Total births (all-time)≈ 25,063

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

Jess is a short form of Jesse — from Hebrew Yishai, 'gift' or 'God exists' (the father of King David; routes layered, which we note). A crisp, friendly, classic nickname-name, here for boys.

It registers thinly on its own. Rare, gift at the (likely) root, and friendly.

Did you know? Jesse, 'gift' (or 'God exists'), was King David's father — Jess is its crisp, friendly short form, used for both sexes.

Overall data confidence 72%

Behind the Name — Jesse — routes layered

Variations

JesseJessieJess

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Jess…

Jesse— the full name

Jessie— an -ie spelling

Jed— a companion short biblical name

Jaxx— a similarly popular pick

Jean— another Hebrew name

Explore names like Jess

By themeuncertain hebrew unisex nickname-name

By meaningGod / Divine Royal / Noble Gift / Blessing

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jess mean?

Jess shortens Jesse — 'gift' or 'God exists'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Jess?

It's said JESS /ˈdʒɛs/ — a single syllable.

Is Jess a boy or girl name?

Jess is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Jess?

Jess is a rare name on its own in the U.S.