Jessica
Jessica is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning “He beholds”, pronounced JESS-ih-kah. It ranked #665 in the United States in 2025, given to 424 babies, and peaked at #1 in 1987. Common nicknames: Jess, Jessie, Sica.
How popular is Jessica in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Jessica mean, and where does it come from?
Jessica is Shakespeare's, or nearly: he gave it to Shylock's daughter in The Merchant of Venice, apparently adapting the biblical Iscah, a name in Genesis usually read as "he beholds" or "foresight." It existed quietly for three centuries and then dominated: Jessica was the most popular girls' name in the United States in 1987 and for most of the 1980s and 1990s, and did the same in Britain and Australia. It has been declining since 2000 at about the pace it climbed, which leaves it now where Deborah was in 1990.
How is Jessica used around the world?
Jessica is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 9+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Jessica?
Famous People Named Jessica
- Jessica Lange — American actress and two-time Academy Award winner
- Jessica Ennis-Hill — British heptathlete and Olympic champion
- Jessica Alba — American actress and entrepreneur
Similar Names to Jessica
If you like Jessica, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Jessica
Looking for names that pair well with Jessica? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Jessica mean?
Jessica is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "He beholds." Jessica is Shakespeare's, or nearly: he gave it to Shylock's daughter in The Merchant of Venice, apparently adapting the biblical Iscah, a name in Genesis usually read as "he beholds" or "foresight." It existed quietly for three centuries and then dominated: Jessica was the most popular girls' name in the United States in 1987 and for most of the 1980s and 1990s, and did the same in Britain and Australia.
How do you pronounce Jessica?
Jessica is pronounced JESS-ih-kah. Common variations include Jessika, Jéssica, Yessica.
Is Jessica a girl name?
Yes, Jessica is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Jess, Jessie, Sica.