Holding steady, #10,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Tessie since 1880
Babies named Tessie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Tessie's real moment was 1904.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 247 |
| 1890s | 595 |
| 1900s | 877 |
| 1910s | 2,583 |
| 1920s | 2,083 |
| 1930s | 667 |
| 1940s | 419 |
| 1950s | 402 |
| 1960s | 604 |
| 1970s | 548 |
| 1980s | 408 |
| 1990s | 232 |
| 2000s | 143 |
| 2010s | 118 |
| 2020s | 55 |
Meaning & origin
Tessie is a classic diminutive of Theresa that saw its heyday in the early 1900s, peaking in 1904 when it ranked among the top female names. Since then, its usage has declined significantly; in 2025 it ranked 10,917 with only about 1 in every 200,908 newborns receiving the name. Despite its low current rank, Tessie retains a vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking an old-fashioned nickname-style name. Its trajectory has remained stable in recent decades, neither falling further into obscurity nor experiencing a revival. The name's simplicity and soft sound make it a sweet choice for a girl.
Tessie is a diminutive of Theresa, a name of Greek origin derived from the verb therizo ('to harvest') or possibly from the Greek island of Therasia. The name Theresa was popularized by Saint Teresa of Ávila (16th century) and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (19th century). The pet form Tessie emerged in the 19th century, primarily in English-speaking countries, as a nickname for Theresa or Teresa.
Where Tessie 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tess
Sibling names for Tessie
Names that share Tessie's style, for a brother or sister.
