Home βΊ Baby Names Directory βΊ Jesse
Jesse
β Girl
Pronounced JES-ee /ΛdΚΙs.i/High
Meaning: gift, wealthyHigh
In 30 seconds: Jesse is a Hebrew name meaning gift or wealthy, the name of King David's father in the Bible. A classic two-syllable name used for both boys and girls with strong biblical heritage.
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Origin HighHebrew
Meaninggift, wealthy
U.S. rank (2025)#2471 β Falling
2025 U.S. births72 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1981
Total births (all-time)β 12,491
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Jesse is the anglicized form of the Hebrew Yishai meaning gift or wealthy. In the Bible, Jesse is the father of King David.
Jesse has been used for girls in the US since the 19th century and saw a TV boost through the character Jesse Spano in Saved by the Bell.
Did you know? The Tree of Jesse (Isa. 11:1) β the genealogical tree showing Jesus's descent from Jesse β is one of the most beloved images in Christian art, depicted in stained glass windows across medieval cathedrals.
Overall data confidence 85%
Behind the Name: Jesse β name etymology referenceUS Social Security Name Database β U.S. popularity data
Variations
JessicaJessieJess
Nicknames
Jess
Famous Bearers
- β
Jesse of Bethlehem (biblical)Father of King David in the Hebrew Bible; son of Obed and a shepherd of Bethlehem.
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Frequently Asked
What does Jesse mean?
Jesse means gift, wealthy.
How do you pronounce Jesse?
Jesse is pronounced JES-ee (/ΛdΚΙs.i/), with 2 syllables.
Is Jesse a girl's name?
Yes, Jesse is used as a girl's name.
How popular is the name Jesse?
Input sex F/girl; used as girl per spec. Hebrew meaning firmly established.