Jess

Jess is a unisex given name and nickname. It is commonly used as a short form of Jessica, Jessie, or Jesse, but can also be given as a name in its own right. The form is widely used in English-speaking countries and has appeared across many cultures.

The given name Jessica is of Hebrew origin, often linked to the name Yiskah, with senses including “foresight” or “to behold”; the precise etymology is debated. As a nickname, Jess functions without gendered expectation and is used for both women and men, though in recent decades it has been more common for women in some regions.

In addition to being a personal name, jess is a term in falconry: a leather strap attached to a hawk’s leg or to the perch, used to restrain and control the bird when not in flight. This usage gives rise to phrases such as “to jess a hawk.” The name Jess also appears in fiction, music, and media as a standalone name or a nickname for characters named Jessica or Jesse.

Notable fictional characters named Jess appear across television, film, and literature, reflecting the name’s versatility and broad usage. Overall, Jess remains a familiar shorthand in contemporary naming, often chosen for its casual, approachable tone.