Tess first name popularity, history and meaning

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.

Meaning of Tess

A feminine name of Greek origin meaning "to gather, to harvest".

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.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 0 117
2022 0 107
2021 0 142
2020 0 175
2019 0 158
2018 0 176
2017 0 203
2016 0 217
2015 0 229
2014 0 235
2013 0 251
2012 0 255
2011 0 283
2010 0 338
2009 0 341
2008 0 322
2007 0 311
2006 0 385
2005 0 461
2004 0 424
2003 0 494
2002 0 417
2001 0 393
2000 0 475
1999 0 437
1998 0 430
1997 0 448
1996 0 409
1995 0 435
1994 0 477
1993 0 524
1992 0 529
1991 0 465
1990 0 403
1989 0 270
1988 0 183
1987 0 185
1986 0 194
1985 0 218
1984 0 216
1983 0 191
1982 0 133
1981 0 103
1980 0 13
1979 0 13
1978 0 28
1977 0 20
1976 0 38
1975 0 32
1974 0 29

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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"Tess first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on October 31, 2024. http://namecensus.com/first-names/tess-meaning-and-history/.

"Tess first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/tess-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 31 October, 2024

Tess first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/tess-meaning-and-history/.

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