Tessa
Harvester, to reap — a girl name of Greek origin
Popularity of Tessa in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Tessa
Tessa originated as a diminutive of Theresa or Teresa, which is believed to derive from the Greek word "therizein" (to harvest) or from the Greek island of Thera (modern-day Santorini). Some scholars also connect it to the Greek "theros," meaning summer. The name has been used independently since at least the 18th century in England and has a literary pedigree through Thomas Hardy's novel "Tess of the d'Urbervilles." Tessa strikes a balance between vintage charm and modern freshness, making it a popular standalone choice in many English-speaking countries.
Tessa Around the World
Tessa is used in 3 languages worldwide.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Tessa
Famous People Named Tessa
- Tessa Thompson — American actress
- Tessa Virtue — Canadian ice dancer and Olympic gold medalist
- Tessa Blanchard — American professional wrestler
Similar Names to Tessa
If you like Tessa, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Tessa
Looking for names that pair well with Tessa? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Tessa mean?
Tessa is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Harvester, to reap." Tessa originated as a diminutive of Theresa or Teresa, which is believed to derive from the Greek word "therizein" (to harvest) or from the Greek island of Thera (modern-day Santorini). Some scholars also connect it to the Greek "theros," meaning summer.
How do you pronounce Tessa?
Tessa is pronounced TESS-uh. Common variations include Tesa, Tessah, Theresa.
Is Tessa a girl name?
Yes, Tessa is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Tess, Tessie.
Explore Related Names
Need More Name Ideas?
Like Tessa? Our AI Name Generator suggests personalized baby names based on your preferences, surname, and cultural background.
Try Baby Name Generator