Declining since 1993, #1,777 for girls today.
Popularity of Tess since 1889
Babies named Tess per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 38 |
| 1900s | 83 |
| 1910s | 155 |
| 1920s | 128 |
| 1930s | 37 |
| 1940s | 46 |
| 1950s | 89 |
| 1960s | 361 |
| 1970s | 423 |
| 1980s | 1,707 |
| 1990s | 4,559 |
| 2000s | 4,024 |
| 2010s | 2,345 |
| 2020s | 769 |
Meaning & origin
Tess reached its highest point of popularity in 1993, ranking in the top 1,000 names for girls. Since then, its usage has been declining, as reflected in its 2025 rank of 1,777th. Despite this, Tess is far from uncommon, with 1 in every 14,224 newborns receiving the name in the latest year. Its top states include Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Utah, suggesting a concentration in the Northeast and West. The name's enduring appeal likely stems from its simplicity and literary association with Thomas Hardy's tragic heroine.
Tess is a diminutive of Theresa, which is of uncertain origin but is often linked to the Greek verb therizo (to reap or harvest), suggesting 'one who gathers in the harvest' or simply 'harvester'. The name Theresa gained popularity through Saint Teresa of Ávila (16th century) and later Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Tess emerged as an independent given name in the late 19th century and was popularized by Thomas Hardy's novel Tess of the d'Urbervilles (1891).
Where Tess is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Tess” around the world
Where Tess lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
120
babies in 2024
Ireland
31
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Sibling names for Tess
Names that share Tess's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Emma, Clara, Grace, Rose, Ruby, Dessie, Karly, Pa, Rori, Tari, Tommi, Cissy, Cyd, Dera, Tyne, Ande, Bri, Der, Kea, Lorey, Marce, Nealy, Turkessa, Chevi, Chey, Joci
Brothers: Jack, Luke, Owen, Max, James, Brant, Britton, Grady, Bram, Kal, Kam, Kipp, Willem, Calib, Chee, Danner, Pier, Rendell, Sy, Tee, Zeth, Cabot, Chett, Da, Dace, Jamesen, Jaris, Sher, Tay, Tige, Treg, Chasin, Cotey, Gerik, Ho, Jes, Kap, Kitt, Mory, Norrin, Raun, Rien, Travian
Names like Tess
Names whose popularity has moved with Tess's over the last 50 years.
