Tessa is a feminine given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word "tesoro," which means treasure or treasure chest. The name has also been used in other Romance languages such as Spanish and Portuguese, where it has a similar meaning.
The name Tessa first gained popularity in the United States during the late 19th century when many Italian immigrants arrived in America. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that the name became widely popular, particularly among parents who were looking for unique and exotic names for their daughters.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Tessa. One of the most famous is Tessa Jowell, a British politician who served as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport from 2001 to 2007. Another notable figure is Tessa Thompson, an American actress known for her roles in films such as "Creed," "Avengers: Endgame," and "Westworld."
In literature, the name Tessa has been used by several authors, including Thomas Hardy in his novel "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" and Louisa May Alcott in her short story "An Old-Fashioned Girl." The name has also appeared in various other works of fiction throughout history.
Overall, the name Tessa is a beautiful and unique choice for a girl, with a rich history and meaning behind it. Its Italian origins give it an exotic and elegant sound, while its meaning as treasure or treasure chest adds to its appeal. Whether you're looking for a name that stands out from the crowd or one that has deep historical roots, Tessa is certainly worth considering.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Tessa in the United States from 1891 to 2023, we can observe several trends and patterns.
The earliest record of the name Tessa being given to babies is in 1891, with only 6 births that year. The number of births increased slightly over the next few years, peaking at 8 births in 1892 before decreasing again.
From 1904 onwards, there were no recorded births of the name Tessa for several decades, indicating that it was not commonly used during this period.
The name Tessa began to gain popularity again in the mid-20th century. In 1959, there were 34 births, marking a significant increase from previous years. This trend continued into the 1960s and 1970s, with the number of births reaching triple digits by 1973.
The peak popularity of the name Tessa occurred in recent years. In 2007, there were 1753 births, which was a significant increase from the previous year's total of 1658 births. This high level of popularity continued until 2014, with over 1500 births each year.
In recent years, the number of births named Tessa has decreased somewhat but remains relatively high compared to earlier periods. In 2021, there were 971 births, and in 2022, there were 960 births.
Overall, the name Tessa has experienced several periods of popularity throughout history, with significant increases in usage beginning in the mid-20th century and continuing through to recent years. Despite fluctuations over time, it is clear that the name Tessa remains a popular choice for parents naming their daughters in the United States.