Jess
“A short, punchy unisex name functioning as a standalone given name or nickname for Jessica, Jessamine, or Jesse—all with different etymologies but united by the 'Jess-' sound. Jess's brevity and modern informality make it appealing for parents seeking casual, approachable, gender-flexible names. It works equally well across childhood and adulthood.”
Jess is a name of Hebrew origin. A short, punchy unisex name functioning as a standalone given name or nickname for Jessica, Jessamine, or Jesse—all with different etymologies but united by the 'Jess-' sound. Jess's brevity and modern informality make it appealing for parents seeking casual, approachable, gender-flexible names. It works equally well across childhood and adulthood.
Used as both a given name and common nickname; increasingly chosen as a standalone name in its own right.
The name Jess has roots in the Hebrew language tradition. It derives from elements meaning “a short, punchy unisex name functioning as a standalone given name or nickname for Jessica, Jessamine, or Jesse—all with different etymologies but united by the 'Jess-' sound”.
Cultural context: Used as both a given name and common nickname; increasingly chosen as a standalone name in its own right.
As a unisex's name, Jess carries the character of its Hebrew heritage while remaining a distinctive and uncommon choice for parents seeking something unique.
Jess Glynne
EntertainmentBritishPop singer, 'Rather Be' and 'Hold My Hand' artist, The Voice UK coach
British singer-songwriter known for hit singles including 'Rather Be' with Clean Bandit and 'Hold My Hand,' becoming one of the UK's most successful pop artists of the 2010s.
1992 – present
Jess Ennis-Hill
SportsBritishOlympic gold medalist in heptathlon, 2012 London Olympics
British heptathlete and Olympic gold medalist who won the heptathlon at the 2012 London Olympics and became one of Britain's most celebrated female athletes.
1986 – present
Jess Margera
EntertainmentAmericanJackass cast member, professional skateboarder and stunt performer
Professional skateboarder and stunt performer best known as a cast member of the MTV series Jackass, where he performed dangerous and comedic stunts alongside Johnny Knoxville and Bam Margera.
1983 – present
What does the name Jess mean?
Jess means "A short, punchy unisex name functioning as a standalone given name or nickname for Jessica, Jessamine, or Jesse—all with different etymologies but united by the 'Jess-' sound. Jess's brevity and modern informality make it appealing for parents seeking casual, approachable, gender-flexible names. It works equally well across childhood and adulthood.", and is of Hebrew origin.
Is Jess a boy or girl name?
Jess is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls.
What is the origin of the name Jess?
Jess is of Hebrew origin. Used as both a given name and common nickname; increasingly chosen as a standalone name in its own right.