The name Jessiah is believed to have originated from the Hebrew name Yishai, which means "gift of God" or "God exists." This name can be traced back to the Old Testament, where it was the name of King David's father. The earliest known spelling of the name was Yishai, which later evolved into various forms, including Yeshai, Jesse, and ultimately, Jessiah.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Jessiah can be found in the Bible's Book of Samuel, where it refers to the father of King David. Although the name Jessiah is not directly mentioned in the text, it is derived from the same root as Yishai, indicating a strong biblical connection.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Jessiah. One of the earliest recorded instances is Jessiah Donaldson (1604-1685), an English Puritan minister who served as a pastor in various congregations in New England during the 17th century.

Another prominent figure was Jessiah Weston (1672-1746), a British merchant and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the establishment of charitable institutions in London. His legacy includes the founding of the Weston's Charity School, which provided education to underprivileged children.

In the 19th century, Jessiah Wilkinson (1801-1878) was a notable English architect who designed several churches and public buildings in the Gothic Revival style. His most famous work is the St. John's Church in Leeds, which is considered a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture.

Moving into the 20th century, Jessiah Nathaniel Coburn (1901-1985) was an American artist and sculptor known for his work in the Art Deco and Modernist styles. His sculptures and public art installations can be found in various cities across the United States.

Lastly, Jessiah Benson (1924-2002) was a prominent Australian Aboriginal activist and leader who played a pivotal role in the fight for indigenous rights and land rights in Australia. He was awarded the Order of Australia for his contributions to the Aboriginal community.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Jessiah throughout history, each leaving a lasting impact in their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of the name's legacy.