Jess

Meaning: Its source is Yishai, a Hebrew name meaning "Gift."

Nickname For: Jesse

Popularity: The name Jess ranked 509th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name has fluctuated in use, it has been quietly present throughout the last century.

Narrative: Some authorities believe that the Hebrew name Yaasai (meaning ''God lives'') was the source of Jesse.

Miscellaneous

Jess Harper, Sr.
- National Cowboy Hall of Fame (see list of National Cowboy Hall of Fame)

Stage and Screen

Jess Hanson
Fictional character.
- Portrayed by Dan Cortese (see list of Characters on ''Melrose Place'')

The Literary World

Jess Rider
Fictional character.
- A college student in Stephen King''s novel The Stand (see list of Characters in The Stand)


Jack
Jacque
Joss
Joyce
Jack
Jacques
Jake
Jase
Jock
Josh
Joss
Jas
Joyce
Jos
Jach
Jacque
Jesse
Jesse
Jessie
Jessa
Jessy

None

Meaning: Its source is Iscah, a Hebrew name meaning "He beholds."

Nickname For: Jessica

Narrative: William Shakespeare invented the modern name Jessica for Shylock's daughter in his play The Merchant of Venice. Though he may have intended it to denote a typical Jewish girl, the name has become popular with all ethnic groups.

Stage and Screen

Jess Walton (born 1946)
American actress.
- Actress on the soap opera ''''The Young and the Restless'''' (see list of Performers on ''The Young and the Restless'')