Holding steady.
Popularity of Jessel since 1927
Babies named Jessel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 0 | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 | 5 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 64 | 0 |
| 2000s | 78 | 0 |
| 2010s | 32 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Jessel is a modern name of uncertain origin that first entered U.S. birth records in 1991. It has never ranked in the top 1000, but its usage has been stable over the decades, with a peak in 2004. The name is most often given to girls and may be a respelling of Jessal or variant of Jessica. Its simple, familiar sound makes it a subtle choice that avoids trendy spellings or heavy cultural associations. Jessel's trajectory suggests it remains a rare but recognizable name, appealing to parents seeking something uncommon yet approachable.
Jessel is a name of uncertain origin. It may have emerged as a variant of Jessal, itself a diminutive of Jessica, or as a respelling of the surname Gessel. Jessica was coined by Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice (1596), from which various pet forms like Jess, Jessie, and Jessel derived. Jessel first appeared in U.S. records in the 1990s, used primarily for girls, and has seen occasional but consistent use since then.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jess, Jessie
Variants: Jessal, Jesselle
Sibling names for Jessel
Names that share Jessel's style, for a brother or sister.
