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

Popularity of Yessenia by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Yessenia is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Yessenia being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 32 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Yessenia.

The history of the first name Yessenia

The name Yessenia has its origins in the Greek language and culture, with its earliest known appearance dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Greek word "iessein," which translates to "to heal" or "to cure." This connection suggests that the name may have initially been bestowed upon individuals believed to possess healing abilities or those associated with the medical or spiritual realms.

Over the centuries, the name Yessenia underwent various spelling variations, including Jessenia, Jesenia, and Yesenia, as it spread across different regions and cultures. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, who mentioned a woman named Yessenia in his dialogues.

In the Middle Ages, the name gained popularity among certain Christian communities, particularly in regions influenced by Greek Orthodox traditions. Several historical records from this period mention individuals bearing the name Yessenia, though their specific details and accomplishments are often lost to time.

One notable figure associated with the name Yessenia is Yessenia of Arles, a Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century AD. According to legend, she was persecuted for her faith and ultimately executed in the city of Arles, France, around the year 285 AD. Her legacy as a martyr contributed to the enduring popularity of the name among Christian communities.

Another historically significant individual named Yessenia was Yessenia Paleologina, a Byzantine princess who lived in the 14th century. She was born in 1346 and played a pivotal role in the political and diplomatic affairs of the Byzantine Empire during her lifetime.

In the realm of literature, the name Yessenia appears in several works, including the epic poem "The Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri. In this masterpiece, Dante mentions a character named Yessenia, though her role and significance are subject to scholarly interpretation.

During the Renaissance period, the name Yessenia gained prominence among artists and intellectuals. One such figure was Yessenia Merisi, an Italian painter born in 1595 who was renowned for her exceptional skills in portraiture and religious artwork.

Throughout history, the name Yessenia has been borne by individuals from various walks of life, including scholars, artists, rulers, and religious figures. While its popularity has fluctuated across different eras and regions, the name's enduring presence serves as a testament to its rich historical and cultural significance.

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

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

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