Jessiah is a unique and distinctive name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "Yeshaya," which means "God is salvation." This name has a rich history, as it is associated with the Old Testament prophet Isaiah.
The Book of Isaiah in the Bible is one of the most powerful and poetic books, containing prophecies about the coming Messiah. The prophet Isaiah was known for his boldness and courage in speaking out against injustice and corruption during the reigns of several kings of Judah.
The name Jessiah is believed to have been first used as a given name in the United States during the late 19th or early 20th century. It has since gained popularity, particularly among families with Jewish backgrounds or those who wish to give their children a name with strong biblical ties.
Today, Jessiah remains a unique and uncommon name, but one that carries a profound meaning and historical significance. Parents who choose this name for their child may do so because they wish to honor the prophet Isaiah's legacy of courage and faith, or simply because they appreciate its distinctive sound and Hebrew roots.
The name Jessiah has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past four decades in the United States. In 1978, only six babies were named Jessiah at birth. However, by 2023, that number had risen to 96 births, indicating a steady growth in its usage.
From 1981 to 1990, the annual births with the name Jessiah fluctuated between five and ten, demonstrating some level of consistency but still remaining relatively uncommon. The turning point came in the late 1990s, with the number of Jessiah births doubling from 14 in 1997 to 21 in 2000.
The new millennium brought a significant surge in popularity for the name Jessiah. Between 2000 and 2005, the number of babies named Jessiah more than doubled again, rising from 21 to 51 births annually. This upward trend continued throughout the 2000s, reaching 63 births in 2007.
The years 2008 to 2014 marked a period of substantial growth for the name Jessiah. During this time, the annual number of births with this name increased from 58 in 2008 to a peak of 117 in 2015, indicating that Jessiah had become quite popular.
Since then, the popularity of Jessiah has remained high, with over 90 births per year between 2016 and 2023. This consistency demonstrates that Jessiah is now well-established as a popular choice among parents in the United States.
In total, from 1978 to 2023, there have been 2092 babies named Jessiah born in the United States. This steady increase and sustained popularity highlight the enduring appeal of this name over time.