About the name Jessica
The origin of Jessica is debated, and we couldn't confirm its meaning from a sourced etymology. A commonly cited theory links it to Hebrew roots, with the meaning “To behold”. Treat that as a theory, not a settled fact.
Why we say this: we only state a meaning as fact when a sourced etymology (Wiktionary, with its references) supports it. For Jessica we didn't find one we were confident in, so we show the popular explanation as a theory.
It has a classic feel. In 2025, Jessica ranked #665 for girls in the US, with 424 babies given the name. Its peak year since 1940 was 1987. Since 2000, 100% of US babies named Jessica were girls.
- US rank 2025
- #665
- In 2015
- #206
- Babies in 2025
- 424
Popularity of Jessica, 1940–2025
Latest SSA data: 2025.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration national baby names (public domain; names given to at least 5 babies of one sex per year).
Hello, world
Jessica
Your last name
born on your big day
7 LB 4 OZ · 20 IN
The Baby Kit
See Jessica on a birth announcement
Birth announcements, shower invitations, nursery wall art and milestone cards, all personalized with Jessica. Type your details once and print at home or at any print shop.
Nicknames for Jessica
- Jess
Names similar to Jessica
Name meanings marked or linked “Wiktionary” are adapted from Wiktionary by Wiktionary contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; each name page links its source entry.