The name Jessa has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture. It is a feminine variant of the biblical name Jesse, which means "gift" or "present" in Hebrew. The name Jesse is derived from the Hebrew root word "yesh," meaning "to have" or "to exist."

In the Old Testament of the Bible, Jesse was the father of King David, the famous ruler of ancient Israel. He is mentioned in the Book of Samuel and the Book of Chronicles, where his lineage is traced back to the tribe of Judah. As the father of one of the most significant figures in the Bible, Jesse's name held a special significance in the Jewish tradition.

The earliest recorded use of the name Jessa can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It was occasionally used as a diminutive or pet form of the name Jessica, which itself is a variant of the name Jesse. However, Jessa did not gain widespread popularity until the 20th century.

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Jessa was Jessa of Pamplona, a 10th-century Spanish noblewoman and the wife of Sancho III of Navarre. Another notable Jessa was Jessa ben Judah, a 14th-century Jewish scholar and rabbi from Catalonia, Spain.

In more recent history, several notable individuals have borne the name Jessa. Jessa Zaragoza (born 1971) is a Filipino actress and singer. Jessa Duggar (born 1992) is an American television personality and one of the stars of the reality show "19 Kids and Counting."

Other notable Jessas include Jessa Gamble (born 1983), an American actress known for her role in the TV series "The Glades," and Jessa Whyte (born 1982), a British singer-songwriter.

While the name Jessa is not as common as some other biblical names, it has a rich history and a meaningful connection to the Hebrew tradition. Its popularity has fluctuated over the centuries, but it continues to be used as a feminine variant of the more familiar name Jesse.