What does Tessa mean and where does it come from?
Tessa is often considered a diminutive of the name Teresa. The name Teresa has roots in Greek, where it is believed to mean 'harvest' or 'the late summer'. The name gained prominence in the 20th century and has become popular in various English-speaking countries. Notable people named Tessa include
Cultural significance
Tessa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of harvester.
Peak popularity
Reached #190 in 2007 — currently #323 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tessa?
Tessa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tessa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tessa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tessa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tessa Claire
French influence · crisp
Tessa Jane
Literary · strong
Tessa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tessa right now?
Rising — up 8 spots — currently #323 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #323 | 964 | ▲ up 8 · -1% births |
| 2022 | #331 | 972 | ▼ down 44 · -13% births |
| 2021 | #287 | 1,116 | ▼ down 9 · -1% births |
| 2020 | #278 | 1,123 | ▼ down 69 · -28% births |
| 2015 | #209 | 1,557 | ▲ up 12 · +9% births |
| 2010 | #221 | 1,425 | ▲ up 48 · +17% births |
| 2005 | #269 | 1,223 | ▼ down 3 · +1% births |
| 2000 | #266 | 1,210 | ▼ down 13 · +8% births |
| 1995 | #253 | 1,119 | ▲ up 37 · +17% births |
| 1990 | #290 | 955 | ▲ up 53 · +40% births |
| 1985 | #343 | 683 | ▲ up 183 · +89% births |
| 1980 | #526 | 361 | ▲ up 47 · +25% births |
| 1975 | #573 | 289 | ▲ up 213 · +61% births |
| 1970 | #786 | 179 | ▲ up 221 · +67% births |
| 1965 | #1007 | 107 | — |
The story of Tessa
Tessa has been a beloved American name for over 133 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1891. A total of 50,793 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1724 in 1895 to #323 in 2023. Tessa is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Tessa in 2007:
Tessa by decade
Tessa peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 31 | |
| 1900s | 10 | |
| 1910s | 23 | |
| 1920s | 37 | |
| 1930s | 11 | |
| 1940s | 183 | |
| 1950s | 164 | |
| 1960s | 866 | |
| 1970s | 2,967 | |
| 1980s | 6,327 | |
| 1990s | 12,040 | |
| 2000s | 13,174 | |
| 2010s ★ | 13,837 | |
| 2020s | 1,123 | |
What are good nicknames for Tessa?
What names sound and feel like Tessa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tessa also consider these
How is Tessa written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Tessa
What does the name Tessa mean?
Tessa means "Harvester" — a name rooted in American 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 Tessa?
Tessa is currently ranked #323 in the United States 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 Tessa?
Tessa originates from American tradition. American 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 Tessa?
Tessa is a two-syllable name pronounced T EH1 S AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Tessa more of a girl or boy name?
Tessa is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.