Tess

What does the baby name Tess mean? Learn about what Tess means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Tess - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Tess
T-E-S-S, is a 4-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Tess
tess
Meaning of Tess
Harvester, to reap.
Origin of Tess
'Tess' is a name of English origin, derived from the longer name Theresa. It is believed to have first appeared in the late 19th century, gaining popularity as a standalone name rather than a nickname for Theresa. The origin of the name Theresa can be traced back to the Greek name Therasia, which means 'harvester' or 'reaper'. This connection to agriculture reflects the importance of nature and the natural world in early societies.
American Names
English Names
Greek Names
Literary Names
Pet Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Tess
Resi
Reza
Teca
Terasa
Teree
Terelle
Teresa
Terese
Teresia
Teresina
Teresita
Teressa
Terezia
Terezie
Terezyga
Teri
Terie
Terise
Terrasa
Terresa
Terresia
Terri
Terrie
Terrise
Terry
Terrya
Tersa
Terza
Tessa
Tessia
Tessie
Tessy
Theresa
Therese
Theressa
Thereza
Thersa
Thersea
Tica
Trace
Tracee
Tracey
Traci
Tracie
Tracy
Trasey
Treacy
Treesy
Tressa
Popularity of Tess
The popularity of the name 'Tess' has fluctuated over time. In the early 20th century, it experienced a notable spike in usage, possibly due to its simplicity and elegance. However, it later declined in popularity, only to see a resurgence in recent years. This cyclical nature of popularity is not uncommon for names, as trends and preferences change over time.
Tess currently has 267 likes, and is in the top 3% of liked girl's names. The name Isobel is slightly more popular than Tess.

Etymology of Tess

The etymology of the name 'Tess' is closely linked to its longer form, Theresa. Theresa is derived from the Greek name Therasia, as mentioned earlier. The Greek root 'therizo' means 'to harvest' or 'to gather'. This connection to agriculture suggests a sense of abundance and fertility, which may have contributed to the name 's popularity.

Cultural Significance of Tess

While 'Tess' does not have any specific cultural significance, it holds a universal appeal that transcends cultural boundaries. Its simplicity and elegance make it a versatile name that can be embraced by individuals from various cultural backgrounds. In this sense, 'Tess' represents the idea of inclusivity and the celebration of diversity.