The first name Jess

In 2025, 3 boys were named Jess, making it the 5,137th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2005, with 37 births (#769).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Jess with other names.

In 2025, 18 boys born in the United States were named Jess, the 5,299th most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 1915, when 577 were.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

• Jess Glynne
  British singer (born 1989)
• Jess Wade
  British physicist, Wikimedian, and campaigner for gender inclusion in science, born 1988
• Jess Harnell
  American voice actor, born 1963
• Jess Willard
  American boxer (1881–1968)
• Jess Thorup
  Danish association football player and manager, born 1970
• Jessica Carter
  English association football player (born 1997)
• Jess Phillips
  British politician (born 1981)
• Jess Barker
  American actor (1912-2000)
• Jess Weixler
  American actress, born 1981
• Jess Cliffe
  American computer game designer, born 1981
• Jess Thomas
  American opera singer, 1927–1993
• Jess Bush
  Australian actress and artist, born 1991

What does the name Jess mean?

Clipping of Jesse, Jessica, or Jessamy.

How popular is the name Jess?

In 2025, 3 boys born in England and Wales were named Jess, ranking 5,137th. Its peak was 2005, with 37 births.

Is Jess a boy's or a girl's name?

Mostly a boy's name: 98% of the 25,550 US babies named Jess since 1880 were boys.

When was Jess most popular?

1915 in the United States, when 577 babies were named Jess, its highest rank at 193rd.

How do you pronounce Jess?

Jess is /d͡ʒɛs/, one syllable.

Is Jess also a surname?

Yes. Jess is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.