Declining since 2008, #311 for girls today.
Popularity of Tessa since 1891
Babies named Tessa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 31 |
| 1900s | 10 |
| 1910s | 23 |
| 1920s | 37 |
| 1930s | 11 |
| 1940s | 183 |
| 1950s | 165 |
| 1960s | 867 |
| 1970s | 2,969 |
| 1980s | 6,325 |
| 1990s | 12,041 |
| 2000s | 13,177 |
| 2010s | 13,883 |
| 2020s | 6,204 |
Meaning & origin
Tessa has a long history as a diminutive of Theresa, but it has firmly established itself as an independent name in English-speaking countries. Recorded since 1891, Tessa saw a surge in popularity in the late 20th century, peaking at rank 311 in 2007. Since 2008, its usage has been gradually declining, but it remains a familiar choice, with about 1 in 1,643 girls receiving the name in 2025. Tessa is most popular in Alaska, the District of Columbia, and Rhode Island. Its sweet, approachable sound and classic-yet-modern feel keep it a steady favorite among parents seeking a name that is both friendly and elegant.
Tessa originated as a diminutive of Theresa, a name of uncertain Greek origin, possibly from the Greek verb therizo, meaning 'to reap' or 'harvest', referring to the harvest season. Theresa was popularized in the Middle Ages through Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, and Tessa emerged as an independent given name in English-speaking countries by the 19th century.
Where Tessa 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.
“Tessa” around the world
Where Tessa lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
305
babies in 2024
Ireland
23
babies in 2025
New Zealand
12
babies in 2025
Quebec
10
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tess, Essa
Sibling names for Tessa
Names that share Tessa's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Claire, Rose, Emma, Lily, Sophie, Karla, Marissa, Brea, Cari, Carman, Corrina, Danni, Doria, Jammie, Janna, Karis, Mari, Marlo, Mika, Rikki, Roma, Sabina, Stacia, Tamera, Tana, Yitty, Anessa, Brienne, Brina, Cameo, Cammy, Cera, Daina, Jaina, Jani, Jesseca, Karisa, Kateri, Kera, Lanna, Leesa, Lorissa, Lynae, Maelynn, Marni, Mikki, Nessa, Nissa, Raena, Ricci, Risa, Sena, Sera, Tammara, Tavia, Tomi, Tonie, Torri, Toya, Zita, Abra, Adrea, Aleana, Ambur, Anglia, Annessa, Annia, Bena, Bradi, Casaundra, Chela, Chrissa, Daena, Danea, Danessa, Drea, Drena, Fanta, Jalee, Jeena, Jenah, Jera, Jerra, Kadi, Karys, Kennah, Kerissa, Kessa, Keyna, Kila, Kiri, Lanea, Lareen, Lari, Lecia, Leea, Lorien, Meika, Meya, Monic, Noni, Reesa, Resa, Saskia, Seena, Selia, Serra, Shevy, Simi, Tanga, Tani, Taria, Tava, Tedi, Tedra, Teela, Tela, Teria, Terin, Terria, Tesia, Tonna, Trenna, Tyanne, Valli, Yanessa, Yaslin, Zissy, Braya, Breelle, Brinna, Brya, Carlea, Chaela, Chara, Charisa, Cosima, Cydne, Darly, Denna, Desa, Ereka, Ericha, Esti, Geni, Haeli, Jarissa, Jolea, Kamera, Kasara, Katalea, Kaylla, Kelce, Ketra, Kiela, Kinda, Kysa, Lalla, Larah, Laressa, Marca, Marcea, Marcha, Mella, Neeka, Neli, Nelsy, Ota, Renada, Renessa, Rissa, Seri, Sierah, Sinthia, Tamla, Tamu, Tannis, Tarissa, Tayna, Teka, Telia, Tene, Tersa, Tessia, Tessica, Tika, Timi, Tonica, Trannie, Travia, Trinia, Troi, Trysta, Vanessia, Viera, Camey, Camy, Ilisa, Jaely, Kita, Merin, Merrissa, Pama, Bryssa, Caci, Candas, Cerria, Chanti, Chasta, Darissa, Deina, Delsy, Denai, Denessa, Ellicia, Falan, Fenna, Ferrin, Ishi, Itzy, Jaclin, Jannae, Jerah, Jhana, Johonna, Jora, Keah, Kellina, Kelsa, Keta, Kresta, Krina, Larrisa, Lavene, Lessa, Lineth, Lynze, Marren, Mata, Mathea, Monik, Nelissa, Nesa, Nimsi, Quenna, Raea, Reata, Rhia, Rini, Ritta, Ronnae, Stela, Tacia, Tahra, Tayra, Teira, Tenna, Terriah, Tracina, Trinna, Tura, Valissa, Venda, Viann, Yanna
Brothers: James, Jack, Henry, Luke, Thomas, Ruben, Kalen, Kelton, Thad, Corby, Corin, Daris, Jarom, Jarren, Jerrett, Kasen, Kaydin, Kiel, Roel, Rustin, Tanis, Taron, Terron, Tyran, Arick, Brinton, Carston, Dravin, Jarin, Jeric, Jevan, Jeyson, Kagen, Kanin, Kasai, Kato, Kedric, Keithan, Kobey, Kort, Lain, Marico, Pacey, Taner, Tarrence, Tarus, Tayte, Tierre, Tramel, Trea, Trevan, Trevian, Varian, Yordi, Ayron, Brevan, Brodi, Calian, Corian, Costa, Davan, Delsin, Demar, Desmin, Devean, Emmaus, Jessen, Jhase, Jonan, Joran, Kamon, Kert, Lamount, Marik, Ronson, Sabien, Sem, Sony, Tabias, Tarance, Tauren, Teddrick, Tivon, Treon, Trevelle, Daiden, Dracen, Adren, Deavin, Deran, Deren, Desmen, Earon, Gerell, Haysen, Jarrette, Jasten, Jedrick, Kalven, Karo, Katai, Kees, Kelven, Maico, Maricus, Nevyn, Revin, Talis, Tane, Tarez, Tavaras, Terel, Terrall, Teven, Toris, Trason, Valin, Weiland
Names like Tessa
Names whose popularity has moved with Tessa's over the last 50 years.
