Find out how popular the first name Essence has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Essence by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Essence is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 249 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Essence.

The history of the first name Essence

The name Essence has its origins in the French language, where it is derived from the Latin word "essentia," meaning "being" or "inner nature." It entered the English lexicon in the 14th century as a noun denoting the indispensable quality or attribute that characterizes a particular thing or individual.

During the Middle Ages, the term "essence" was widely employed in philosophical and theological discourse, often referring to the immutable and fundamental aspect of an entity or concept. It featured prominently in the works of prominent thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas and Duns Scotus, who explored the metaphysical nature of essence and its relationship to existence.

The earliest recorded use of Essence as a given name dates back to the 16th century, when it was bestowed upon individuals as a symbolic representation of their intrinsic qualities or essence. One of the earliest notable individuals to bear this name was Essence Crispe, an English writer and poet born in 1532, whose works explored themes of self-discovery and inner truth.

In the 17th century, Essence gained popularity among Puritan communities in New England, where it was embraced as a virtuous and deeply meaningful name. Notable figures from this era include Essence Winthrop (1616-1672), the daughter of the influential governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, John Winthrop.

The 19th century witnessed a resurgence of interest in the name Essence, particularly among literary circles and individuals drawn to its philosophical connotations. One of the most celebrated figures of this period was Essence Emerson (1829-1892), the daughter of the renowned American philosopher and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson, who was known for her own literary works and advocacy for women's rights.

In the early 20th century, the name Essence gained further traction as a symbol of individuality and self-expression. One notable figure from this era was Essence Stein (1901-1986), a French-American artist and writer associated with the Parisian avant-garde movement, who explored themes of identity and self-discovery in her works.

Another influential figure was Essence Wertmüller (1928-2021), an Italian film director and screenwriter, whose groundbreaking films challenged societal norms and celebrated the essence of human experience. Her 1977 film "Pasqualino Settebellezze" earned her the distinction of being the first woman ever nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director.

Throughout history, the name Essence has been imbued with a sense of depth, introspection, and a celebration of the unique qualities that define an individual. It has been embraced by individuals from diverse backgrounds who have left an indelible mark on the realms of literature, art, philosophy, and social progress.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Essence was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Essence, please contact us.

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