Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Tessa

The name Tessa developed as a pet form of the name Theresa but has become an individually given name in its own right. Theresa, in turn, is a name of uncertain etymology. It is thought to come from the Greek “therizein” meaning ‘to harvest, harvester’. Theresa seems to have been first used in Spain and Portugal. According to tradition, Therasia was the Spanish noblewoman and wife of the 4th century Roman Senator and lawyer, St. Paulinus of Nola. After losing their son, the wealthy couple gave everything to the poor and led a life of religious austerity. It is said that the name Theresa originated from this woman. Teresa of Ávila was a popular Spanish saint in the 16th century Spain and Thérèse of Lisieux in 19th century France. Then of course, there’s the unforgettable Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Theresa became a popular name among Catholics so it spread across many nations and languages. Tessa (like Terri) would eventually form as nicknames for Theresa.

All About the Baby Name – Tessa

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME TESSA

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME TESSA

The name Tessa was first used as a female given name in America in 1964. Before that, it was probably more strictly used as a nickname for Theresa. The name achieved moderate popularity by the 1990s and is actually experiencing some of its highest usage right now. Although not wildly popular by any means, Tessa is holding its own on the charts near the Top 200 list of most commonly used girl names. This means Tessa is bestowed upon roughly 1,400 little girls each year. Tessa is a familiar name since it’s been around so long as a nickname; and it’s considered more modern and relevant than Theresa (which really plummeted in popularity in the past couple of decades). Tessa is a cute and simple name. It’s a bright and friendly choice for any little girl – although we like Tess better as an adult version – not quite as “cutesy”.

Quick Facts

ON TESSA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Greek

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

242

PRONUNCIATION:

TES-sah

SIMPLE MEANING:

Harvester

Characteristics

OF TESSA

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Tessa

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME TESSA

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME TESSA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Tessa


Popular Songs

ON TESSA

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Tessa


Famous People

NAMED TESSA

Tessa Ferrer (actress)
Tessa Keller (reality TV)
Tessa Virtue (figure skater)

Children of Famous People

NAMED TESSA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Tessa

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME TESSA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Tessa