The nameTess
Tess is a short form of Theresa, made famous by Thomas Hardy.
- Girl's name
- Greek
Meaning
Tess comes from Theresa, of uncertain Greek origin, perhaps "harvest".
Origin
Greek, through English.
History
Thomas Hardy's novel Tess of the d'Urbervilles appeared in 1891. In England and Wales Tess reached 423rd in 2005.
Famous people named Tess
- Tess Daly, television host
- Tess Gerritsen, novelist
- Tess Durbeyfield, heroine of Thomas Hardy
Popularity of the name Tess
Tess in the United States
Tess was most popular in the United States in the 1990s, with 4,557 births over the decade, 31% of all recorded babies named Tess. Its rise began around 1968, and it peaked in 1992. Half of all babies named Tess in the United States were born before 1999. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 131 births a year on average, against 197 in the five years before.
Tess in the United Kingdom
Tess was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 831 births over the decade, 46% of all recorded babies named Tess. Half of all babies named Tess in the United Kingdom were born before 2009, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 26 births a year on average, against 46 in the five years before.
Tess in Ireland
Tess in France
Tess in Belgium
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Tess
Names from the same generation as Tess, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Tess? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Tess with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Tess side by side with the name of your choice.
Tess in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Tess mean?
Tess comes from Theresa, of uncertain Greek origin, perhaps "harvest".
What is the origin of the name Tess?
Greek, through English.
Is Tess a girl's or a boy's name?
Tess is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Tess?
In 2024, Tess was the 1772nd most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 113 births.
What are the variants of the name Tess?
Variants and related names of Tess include Teresa and Theresa.
What are good sibling names for Tess?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Sonia, Stacy, Katy and Calista for a sister, Jerome, Steve, Stephan and Jermaine for a brother.
Who are famous people named Tess?
Tess Daly, television host; Tess Gerritsen, novelist; Tess Durbeyfield, heroine of Thomas Hardy.