"wealthy"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Jessie
Pronunciation: [ j-EHS-ee ]
Girl Name
#807 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
A warm vintage gem with timeless Scottish roots
English
Scottish
American
Classic
Playful
Vintage
Gentle
Meaning & Origin
"God is gracious"
Origin: Hebrew/Scottish
Language: English
The Story of Jessie
Jessie as a girl's name has two distinct roots. In Scotland, Jessie developed as an independent diminutive of Janet or Jean — both Scottish forms of the Hebrew Yohanah (John), meaning 'God is gracious.' Alternatively, it's used as a feminine form of Jesse, from the Hebrew Yishai meaning 'gift' or 'wealthy.' As a given name in its own right, Jessie has been used in Scotland since the 18th century and became fashionable throughout the English-speaking world in the 19th century.
Jessie was a staple name in the late Victorian era and early 20th century, particularly in Scotland and America. It dipped significantly mid-century as more formal names were favored, but enjoyed a revival in the 1980s partly through the popular children's TV characters bearing the name. It's now experiencing a quiet resurgence as parents rediscover vintage names that feel warm and approachable.
In Scottish culture, Jessie holds a place of particular warmth — it was used both as an independent name and as a familiar name for girls named Janet. The famous Scottish phrase 'Jessie' has sometimes been used as a lighthearted term in British culture, but as a given name it carries wholesome, cheerful associations.
Fun Facts
- Jessie J, the British pop singer, was born Jessica Ellen Cornish and chose Jessie as her stage name
- Jessie was a top-20 girl's name in Scotland throughout the Victorian era
- In the Toy Story franchise, Jessie the Cowgirl became one of the most beloved fictional characters with this name, voiced by Joan Cusack
Jessie in Other Languages
French
Jessie
German
Jessie
Spanish
Yesi
Scottish
Jessie
Famous People Named Jessie
J
Jessie J
Musician
1988
British pop singer-songwriter known for Price Tag, Bang Bang, and Do It Like a Dude
J
Jessie Ware
Musician
1984
British soul and pop singer known for albums What's Your Pleasure? and That! Feels Good!
J
Jessie the Cowgirl Fictional
Other
Beloved fictional character in Pixar's Toy Story franchise, Woody's loyal friend and enthusiastic yodeling cowgirl
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #807
- Total SSA Count
- 348
- Cultural Origins
- English Scottish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Jess
Jes
Pairs Well With
Jessie Mae
Jessie Ann
Jessie Lynn
Jessie Rae
Jessie Claire
Jessie June
Jessie Lee
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Jessie is also used as a boy name, ranked #1266.
View Jessie as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jessie
What does the name Jessie mean?
"wealthy" (from Hebrew). "God is gracious" (from Hebrew/Scottish). Jessie as a girl's name has two distinct roots. In Scotland, Jessie developed as an independent diminutive of Janet or Jean — both Scottish forms of the Hebrew Yohanah (John), meaning 'God is gracious.' Alternatively, it's used as a feminine form of Jesse, from the Hebrew Yishai meaning 'gift' or 'wealthy.' As a given name in its own right, Jessie has been used in Scotland since the 18th century and became fashionable throughout the English-speaking world in the 19th century.
What is the origin of the name Jessie?
Jessie has Hebrew, Hebrew/Scottish, English, Scottish, and American origins. In Hebrew, it means "wealthy". In Hebrew/Scottish, it means "God is gracious".
Is Jessie a boy or girl name?
Jessie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #807. As a boy name, it is ranked #1266. Jessie is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Jessie?
Jessie is pronounced j-EHS-ee.
How popular is the name Jessie?
Jessie is currently ranked #807 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Jessie?
Common nicknames for Jessie include Jess and Jes.
What are good middle names for Jessie?
Popular middle name pairings include Jessie Mae, Jessie Ann, Jessie Lynn, Jessie Rae, Jessie Claire, Jessie June, and Jessie Lee.
What are good sibling names for Jessie?
Names that pair well with Jessie as siblings include Katie, Lucy, Lily, Molly, Sam, Ellie, and Charlie.
How many syllables does Jessie have?
Jessie has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Jessie a common or rare name?
Jessie is moderately common, ranked #807 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Jessie
Jessie is a girl name with English, Scottish, and American origins . The name means "wealthy" in Hebrew .
Is Jessie a boy or girl name? Jessie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #807 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,266. Jessie is more commonly used as a girl name.
Jessie is currently ranked #807 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Jessie has 2 syllables and is pronounced j-EHS-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Jessie include Jess and Jes. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Jessie include Jessica, Jessa, Jesse, Jesslyn, Jessi . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.