Tessa
Tessa is a girl name of Greek origin meaning “Harvester, to reap”, pronounced TESS-uh. It ranked #311 in the United States in 2025, given to 978 babies, and peaked at #190 in 2007. Common nicknames: Tess, Tessie.
How popular is 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.
What does Tessa mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Tessa used 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.
What are the 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
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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.