MallowbyNames

Wessie

WES-ee · Diminutive of Wessa or the West, of uncertain origin.

Peak popularity
1894
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Wessie since 1889

Babies named Wessie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Wessie's real moment was 1894.

71421192019602000Most births 1918Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1880s5
1890s17
1900s29
1910s127
1920s117
1930s47
1940s19
1950s10
1960s0
1970s0
1980s0
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Wessie is a rare diminutive name, most often recorded in the late 19th century. Its peak year was 1894, the only year it appeared with notable frequency, and since then it has remained very uncommon. The name's trajectory is stable, with no revival in recent decades. It is primarily associated with the 1890s, a decade when similar short, affectionate names were popular. While its exact etymology is uncertain, Wessie likely derives from the medieval name Wessa or serves as a diminutive of West or Wesley. For parents seeking a truly vintage, obscure name, Wessie offers a distinctive choice with a soft sound.

Wessie is believed to be a diminutive form of Wessa, a medieval name of uncertain origin, or an affectionate short form of names like West or Wesley. It was most frequently recorded in the late 19th century, particularly in the 1890s, and has remained rare since.

Sibling names for Wessie

Names that share Wessie's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

W is for Wessie, our favorite little girl.

W is for Wessie…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Wessie's letter becomes Wessie's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Wessie's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Wessie mean?
Wessie is likely a diminutive of the medieval name Wessa or a nickname for names like West or Wesley. Its exact meaning is uncertain.
Is Wessie a popular name today?
No, Wessie is very rare. According to U.S. data, it peaked in popularity in 1894 and has not ranked in recent years.
Is Wessie a boy's or girl's name?
Wessie has historically been used more often for girls, though it is considered unisex.