Home β€Ί Baby Names Directory β€Ί Jesse

Jesse

♀ Girl

Pronounced JES-ee /ˈdΚ’Ι›s.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 (2024)#2466 β†— Rising
2024 U.S. births73 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1981
Total births (all-time)β‰ˆ 12,419

Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data

peak 198118802024

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

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.

If you like Jesse…

Jessicaβ€” longer form of same Jesse root
Josieβ€” similar J- vintage nickname
Jamieβ€” similar vintage gender-neutral name
Billieβ€” similar vintage male nickname used for girls
Charlieβ€” similar vintage male nickname used for girls

Frequently Asked

What does Jesse mean?

Jesse means gift, wealthy.

How do you pronounce Jesse?

Jesse is pronounced JES-ee (/ˈdΚ’Ι›s.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.