Jessa

Jessa is a feminine given name that is commonly used as a standalone name but is often derived as a diminutive or variant of Jessica. The broader name Jessica is of Hebrew origin, typically linked to the name Yiskah, meaning “foresight” or “to behold,” and Jessa has become established as an independent given name in its own right in many English-speaking countries.

In contemporary usage, Jessa is perceived as informal and contemporary, often chosen for its crisp, approachable sound. It has appeared in various varieties of popular culture and media, contributing to its recognizability beyond family names.

Notable individuals with the given name include Jessa Duggar Seewald (born 1992), an American television personality associated with the Duggar family and the series Counting On. The name also appears in fiction, such as Jessa Johansson, a character in the HBO television series Girls, portrayed by Jemima Kirke.

As with many given names, Jessa may be found across different cultures and may be chosen for personal or familial reasons, sometimes as a nod to Jessica while preserving its distinct identity. The name’s relatively short, vowel-friendly form has helped it maintain steady usage in names lists over the past few decades.