Jesse

Jesse is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. It comes from Yishai, the name of the biblical father of King David. The English form Jesse has been used since at least the 16th century, with variants such as Jess and Jessie; Jessie is also common as a feminine form in some contexts.

The name is widespread in English-speaking countries and has appeared in literature, film, and popular culture, contributing to its enduring usage. Its biblical roots make it familiar across many religious and cultural communities.

Notable people named Jesse include Jesse James, the 19th-century outlaw; Jesse Owens, Olympic sprinter; Jesse Ventura, wrestler and politician; Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader; and Jesse Eisenberg, actor. In fiction, Jesse Pinkman is a primary character in the television series Breaking Bad.