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

Popularity of Tess by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 117 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tess.

The history of the first name Tess

The name Tess is a diminutive form of the feminine name Teresa, which originated from the Greek name Theresia. The root of the name is the Greek word "therizo," meaning "to harvest." This name was derived from the Greek island of Thera, now known as Santorini.

In ancient times, the name Teresa was associated with Saint Teresa of Avila, a prominent Spanish mystic and author who lived from 1515 to 1582. She was a reformer of the Carmelite Order and is honored as a Doctor of the Church. The name Teresa gained popularity throughout Europe during the medieval period due to her influence.

The shortened form, Tess, emerged in the 19th century as a diminutive of Teresa. One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Tess was in the novel "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" by Thomas Hardy, published in 1891. The protagonist, Tess Durbeyfield, was a pivotal character in the book, which explored themes of social class and moral ambiguity in Victorian England.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Tess. Tess Daly, born in 1969, is an English model and television presenter known for co-hosting the popular BBC dance competition show "Strictly Come Dancing." Tess Holliday, born in 1985, is an American model and body positivity activist who has been instrumental in promoting size inclusivity in the fashion industry.

Another prominent figure with the name Tess was Tess Slesinger, an American writer and screenwriter born in 1905. She was known for her novels and short stories that explored themes of feminism and social justice. Tess Schlesinger, born in 1960, is an Australian author and academic who has written extensively on feminist theory and philosophy.

Additionally, Tess Gerritsen, born in 1953, is an American novelist and former physician. She is best known for her series of novels featuring the character Jane Rizzoli, which have been adapted into the popular television series "Rizzoli & Isles."

The name Tess has a rich history and cultural significance, spanning from its Greek origins to its modern usage as a diminutive form. It has been borne by influential women in literature, entertainment, activism, and academia, reflecting the diverse and enduring appeal of this name.

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

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

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