Holding steady.
Popularity of Jes since 1958
Babies named Jes per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 42 |
| 1980s | 27 |
| 1990s | 36 |
| 2000s | 11 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Jes is a concise, modern-sounding name that emerged as a rare given name in the United States in the late 1950s, first recorded in 1958. Its peak popularity occurred in 1975, though it has never ranked in the top 1000. The name's trajectory has been stable, with occasional use as a short form of longer names like Jessica or Jesper. Despite its brevity, Jes carries a subtle mystery: its exact origin is debated, possibly a diminutive of the biblical Jessica or a variant of Danish Jesper. This ambiguity adds to its appeal for parents seeking an uncommon, understated name. While no states have recorded significant usage, Jes remains a quietly enduring choice for boys, reflecting a preference for short, punchy names in the modern era.
Jes is primarily a diminutive or short form of Jessica, a name derived from the biblical Iscah (Hebrew Yiskah), meaning 'to behold' or 'foresight', but possibly not directly. It may also be a variant of Jesper, the Danish and Swedish form of Jasper, meaning 'treasurer' in Persian. The name has seen occasional independent use since the mid-20th century.
Sibling names for Jes
Names that share Jes's style, for a brother or sister.
