Rising since 1985, #2,719 for girls today.
Popularity of Nessa since 1935
Babies named Nessa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 11 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 12 |
| 1970s | 73 |
| 1980s | 105 |
| 1990s | 139 |
| 2000s | 225 |
| 2010s | 458 |
| 2020s | 340 |
Meaning & origin
Nessa is a name of uncertain origin, possibly Welsh or a Victorian-era diminutive of Vanessa. It first appeared on U.S. records in 1935, and experienced a steady rise in use beginning in the mid-1980s, peaking in 2016. In 2025, the name was given to roughly 1 in 25,512 babies, ranking 2,719th nationally. It has been most common in New York, Texas, and California. While never a top-tier name, its gentle sound and ties to both Welsh heritage and literary history (via Jonathan Swift's invention of Vanessa) give it a quiet appeal among parents seeking a name that feels both familiar and distinctive.
Nessa has two main proposed origins. It may derive from a Welsh name meaning 'sweetheart' or 'gentle', though this is not firmly attested. Alternatively, it is often used as a diminutive of Vanessa, a name coined by the Irish writer Jonathan Swift in the early 18th century, itself combining elements of 'Van' from Vanhomrigh and 'Essa' from Esther. In Irish legend, Nessa was the mother of the great king Conchobar mac Nessa. The name gained modern use particularly in the 20th century.
Where Nessa is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Nessa” around the world
Where Nessa lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Ireland
18
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Sibling names for Nessa
Names that share Nessa's style, for a brother or sister.
