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

Popularity of Tessie by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tessie.

The history of the first name Tessie

The name Tessie is a diminutive form of the name Theresa, which has its origins in the Greek island of Thasos. It is derived from the Greek word "therizo," which means "to harvest." The name Theresa gained popularity in the 4th century AD when a Spanish nun named Theresa of Avila lived and became a prominent figure in the Roman Catholic Church.

Tessie is a name that has been used across various cultures and regions throughout history. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the 16th century play "The Spanish Tragedy" by Thomas Kyd, where a character named Tessie appears.

In literature, Tessie is also the name of a character in John Steinbeck's novella "The Pearl," published in 1947. The character Tessie is a young girl who represents innocence and purity in the story.

The name Tessie has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history. One of the most famous was Tessie O'Shea, an English actress and singer who lived from 1913 to 1995. She was known for her performances in West End musicals and on British television.

Another notable Tessie was Tessie Tura, a Belgian singer and actress born in 1920. She was a popular performer in her home country and appeared in several films during the 1940s and 1950s.

In the United States, Tessie Mobley was a famous blues singer and guitarist who lived from 1924 to 1995. She was known for her powerful voice and contributions to the Chicago blues scene.

Tessie Wall was a British cyclist who competed in the 1960 and 1964 Summer Olympics. She won a silver medal in the road race event at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Tessie Santiago was a Puerto Rican artist and sculptor who lived from 1935 to 2011. She was known for her abstract and modernist works, and her art is featured in museums and galleries around the world.

While the name Tessie may have originated from a specific region and culture, it has transcended boundaries and been embraced by various communities, making it a truly global name with a rich and diverse history.

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

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

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