What does Jessica mean and where does it come from?
Jessica is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew name יִשְׁרָאֵל (Yisra'el) meaning 'wealthy' or 'to behold.' The name was introduced to English speakers through William Shakespeare's play 'The Merchant of Venice', where Jessica is the daughter of Shylock. The name gained popularity in the 20th
Cultural significance
Jessica has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of wealthy.
Peak popularity
Reached #1 in 1985 — currently #550 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Jessica?
Jessica works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Jessica Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Jessica Rose
Floral · soft ending
Jessica Mae
Sweet · timeless
Jessica Claire
French influence · crisp
Jessica Jane
Literary · strong
Jessica Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Jessica right now?
Declining — down 42 spots — currently #550 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #550 | 550 | ▼ down 42 · -11% births |
| 2022 | #508 | 620 | ▼ down 31 · -5% births |
| 2021 | #477 | 656 | ▼ down 79 · -15% births |
| 2020 | #398 | 775 | ▼ down 192 · -51% births |
| 2015 | #206 | 1,587 | ▼ down 114 · -50% births |
| 2010 | #92 | 3,198 | ▼ down 65 · -61% births |
| 2005 | #27 | 8,112 | ▼ down 19 · -48% births |
| 2000 | #8 | 15,709 | ▼ down 7 · -44% births |
| 1995 | #1 | 27,938 | stable · -40% births |
| 1990 | #1 | 46,475 | stable · -4% births |
| 1985 | #1 | 48,347 | ▲ up 2 · +43% births |
| 1980 | #3 | 33,921 | ▲ up 10 · +162% births |
| 1975 | #13 | 12,929 | ▲ up 85 · +221% births |
| 1970 | #98 | 4,023 | ▲ up 118 · +163% births |
| 1965 | #216 | 1,530 | — |
The story of Jessica
Jessica has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It reached the #1 spot in 1985, making it the most popular girl name in America that year. Over 1051K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #705 in 1880 to #550 in 2023. Jessica is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Jessica in 1985:
Jessica by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 94 | |
| 1890s | 135 | |
| 1900s | 159 | |
| 1910s | 411 | |
| 1920s | 410 | |
| 1930s | 499 | |
| 1940s | 2,204 | |
| 1950s | 4,559 | |
| 1960s | 13,725 | |
| 1970s | 144,018 | |
| 1980s ★ | 471,508 | |
| 1990s | 303,862 | |
| 2000s | 90,822 | |
| 2010s | 18,187 | |
| 2020s | 775 | |
What are good nicknames for Jessica?
ENGLISH
JessJessaJessalynJessiJessieJessye
What names sound and feel like Jessica?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Jessica also consider these
How is Jessica written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Jessica
What does the name Jessica mean?
Jessica means "Wealthy" — a name rooted in United Kingdom tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Jessica?
Jessica is currently ranked #550 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Jessica?
Jessica originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Jessica?
Jessica is a three-syllable name pronounced JH EH1 S IH0 K AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Jessica?
Jessica pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar United Kingdom heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.