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Jesse Name Meaning, Origins & History

Jesse

Pronunciation: JESS-ee

Meaning The Lord exists Origin Hebrew Gender Boy
BOYS RANK
#184
TREND
3
GIRLS RANK
#2,471
TREND
5
Peak Years
1981, 1982, 1990
Lowest Years
1903, 1901, 1899
Energy Archetype
Courageous & Inventive

Rank shows the name’s position among U.S. baby names for each gender in 2025. Trend shows how many places it rose or fell since 2024. Rank 1 is the most popular. Based on U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) data. Peak and lowest years are based on the number of boys named Jesse in the available records.

Fun Facts About the Name Jesse

  • An all-time favorite: U.S. records show 432,394 boys named Jesse from 1880 through 2025.
  • A favorite of earlier generations: Jesse appeared in the U.S. top 100 in 3 separate runs, totaling 92 years. Its last run lasted 34 consecutive years, from 1972 through 2005.
  • More than 444 thousand babies named Jesse: U.S. records list 444,885 babies given the name Jesse from 1880 through 2025. Even 12,491 girls received the name Jesse - about 1 girl for every 35 boys.

What Does the Name Jesse Mean?

Jesse is the English form of the Hebrew name Yishai (יִשַׁי), the father of King David. The name is traditionally explained as "gift of God" or "God's gift," but the exact etymology of the Hebrew name is uncertain. One common suggestion connects it with Hebrew shai (שַׁי), "gift," which would give the basic sense "gift." Other explanations derive it from a root meaning "to exist" or associate it with "wealth," and some treat it as a shortened name that refers to God. The element "of God" in the customary English meaning is a traditional interpretation rather than a securely documented part of the Hebrew word.

Jesse Name History & Origins

The Hebrew name Yishai (יִשַׁי) appears in the Hebrew Bible as the father of King David. The books of Samuel describe him as a Bethlehemite of the tribe of Judah and the father of eight sons, the youngest being David. The name was carried into Greek as Iessai (Ἰεσσαί) in the Septuagint and the New Testament, where Jesse is listed in the genealogies of Jesus (Matthew 1:5 - 6; Luke 3:32). Latin versions of the Bible use forms such as Isai and Iesse, which passed into Old French and Middle English as Jesse.

In Christian art and devotion, the "Tree of Jesse" became a common motif from the Middle Ages onward. It is based on Isaiah 11:1, which speaks of a shoot coming from the stump of Jesse, and it presents Jesse as the ancestor of Jesus. This imagery is a later religious use of the biblical figure, not the source of the name's meaning. In England and other English-speaking regions, Jesse was among the biblical names that became more common after the Reformation, especially among Puritans in the 17th century. It has remained in use since, with Jessie as a common diminutive.

How Popular is the Name Jesse?

Jesse has a rich multi-era history in the U.S. top 100, spanning 92 total years and enjoying its modern revival from 1972 to 2005.

U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.

Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.

Famous People Named Jesse

Jesse James
Jesse James

Explore Name Lists Featuring Jesse

Carl appears in several baby name collections based on U.S. popularity records, naming trends, and name characteristics. Explore these lists to discover other names with similar histories, styles, or features.

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How the Name Jesse Shapes Your Personality and Life?

You are honest, benevolent, brilliant and often inventive, full of high inspirations. You are courageous, honest, determined, original and creative. You are a leader, especially for a cause. Sometimes you do not care to finish what you start, and may leave details to others. You can do well in position of authority, and prospers in intellectual and professional fields. You have an eventful, exciting life. You are versatile and have the ability to learn easily.

Dependable, very down-to-earth and well grounded, you are always looking for meaningful work, a career where you can take pride in your work and do the best job you are capable of. Your prime desire is to build protected and secure environment at home and at work. You can be very persuasive in achieving goals and gaining objectives. You can be very detailed and well-organized and possess great organizational skills. At times you may appear too stubborn and overly critical to others, but your practical approach to life and productivity makes you one of the most beneficent members of community.

✦ Jesse's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Jesse's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.
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