Jesse
Jesse first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1981, when 10,443 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 2,002.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Jesse popular?
Declining Jesse is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1981 peak.
| 2020s | 11,600 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 24,903 | |
| 2000s | 43,393 | |
| 1990s | 73,791 | |
| 1980s | 85,908 | |
| 1970s | 44,886 | |
| 1960s | 22,605 | |
| 1950s | 26,655 | |
| 1940s | 24,336 | |
| 1930s | 18,930 | |
| 1920s | 23,170 | |
| 1910s | 16,293 | |
| 1900s | 4,559 | |
| 1890s | 5,396 | |
| 1880s | 6,003 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Jesse mean?
Jesse is a Hebrew name usually given as “gift” or “the Lord exists.” In the Bible he is the father of King David; the “Tree of Jesse” traces Christ’s lineage.
Nicknames for Jesse
- Jess
Variants & spellings
- Jessie
- Jesiah
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Jesse a boy or a girl name?
Jesse is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Jesse a popular name right now?
Jesse is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1981 peak.
How popular is the name Jesse?
In 2025, Jesse ranked #184 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Jesse most popular?
Jesse was most popular in 1981, when about 10,443 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Jesse?
Common nicknames for Jesse include Jess.