Find out how popular the first name Kessia has been for the last 12 years (from 2001 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kessia by gender

Based on the last 12 years of data, Kessia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kessia.

The history of the first name Kessia

The name Kessia has its origins in ancient Greece, tracing back to the 5th century BCE. It is derived from the Greek word "kekasmai," which means "to excel" or "to be distinguished." This suggests that the name was originally bestowed upon individuals who were considered exceptional or remarkable in some way.

In the classical Greek era, the name Kessia was not widely used, but it did appear in a few historical records and texts. One notable mention is found in the writings of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, where he references a woman named Kessia who was renowned for her skills as a physician and healer.

The name Kessia gained more prominence during the Byzantine period, particularly among the aristocratic and scholarly classes. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is from the 6th century CE, when a Byzantine noblewoman named Kessia was known for her patronage of the arts and her support of cultural institutions.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Kessia was occasionally used across various regions of Europe, particularly in areas with Greek cultural influence. In the 12th century, a prominent scholar and philosopher named Kessia of Melitene made significant contributions to the fields of logic and metaphysics.

During the Renaissance, the name Kessia experienced a resurgence in popularity, especially among humanist scholars and artists who drew inspiration from classical Greek culture. One notable figure from this era was Kessia Vecellio, a 16th-century Italian painter who was celebrated for her portraiture and religious works.

In the 19th century, the name Kessia gained some traction in literary circles, with several notable authors and poets bearing the name. Kessia Browning, an English poet and the wife of Robert Browning, was a prominent figure in the Victorian era literary scene.

While the name Kessia has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, it has been carried by a handful of notable individuals across various fields. In the 20th century, Kessia Kavvadias was a renowned Greek poet and translator, known for her lyrical works that explored themes of love, loss, and the human condition.

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 Kessia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!