The name Tessa is a variant of the Greek name Theresa, which itself is derived from the Greek island of Thera. The name Theresa gained popularity in the Christian tradition as it was associated with St. Teresa of Avila, a Spanish nun and mystic who lived in the 16th century.

Tessa is believed to have originated as a diminutive form of Theresa, with the earliest recorded use dating back to the late 18th century in England. The name Tessa was particularly popular among the English aristocracy and upper classes during this time period.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name Tessa was Tessa Constantia Phillippa Garnier, born in 1786 in England. She was a member of the British aristocracy and married into the prominent Chute family.

Another notable historical figure named Tessa was Tessa Millett, an English painter and illustrator who lived from 1900 to 1994. She was known for her vibrant landscape paintings and illustrations for children's books.

In the literary world, Tessa is the name of a character in the novel "The Go-Between" by L.P. Hartley, published in 1953. The book explores themes of innocence and class divides in Edwardian England.

Tessa Beauchamp was a British actress and singer who appeared in several films and television shows in the mid-20th century. She was born in 1920 and passed away in 2002.

Tessa Worsley was a British author and historian who specialized in the study of Georgian society and architecture. She was born in 1923 and passed away in 2003, leaving behind a significant body of work on 18th-century British culture.

As a variant of the name Theresa, Tessa has maintained a strong connection to its Greek and Christian roots while also developing its own distinct identity over the centuries.