Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Jessie
UnisexEnglish, Scottish· “pet form of Jessica, Jesse or Janet”
- Meaning
- pet form of Jessica, Jesse or Janet
- Origin
- English, Scottish
- Pronunciation
- JEH-see
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #824
- US babies 2025
- 330
- Best rank
- #35 (1881)
- Peak year
- 1918
Meaning and origin of Jessie
Jessie is an English and Scottish name that is usually said to mean “pet form of Jessica, Jesse or Janet”.
Jessie began in Scotland as a pet form of Janet and Jean, both feminine forms of John. Later it came to be used as a nickname for Jessica and as a spelling of the biblical Jesse, a Hebrew name often explained as gift. Because of these overlapping sources Jessie has long been used for both girls and boys. It has a warm, down-to-earth sound and a vintage charm, much like Josie, Hattie and Millie. The name works well on its own or as an affectionate short form of a longer formal name.
Other spellings with the same sound: Jesse, Jessy, Jessee, Jessye.
Popularity over time
Jessie has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #35 in 1881, and the most babies received it in 1918, when 3,591 were named Jessie. In 2025, 330 babies were named Jessie, and it ranked #824 nationally. That is 30% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #84 in 1920, #245 in 1950, #303 in 1980, #400 in 2000, #683 in 2010, and #824 in 2025. Of the 170,036 US girls named Jessie since records began, 17% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 27,834 babies. Since 2010, 6,646 more have been named Jessie.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Charlie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jessie ranked highest in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Kentucky.
Gender, sound and spelling
Jessie is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 60% of US babies named Jessie were girls and 40% were boys.
Jessie is usually pronounced JEH-see, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with J and ends in “-ie”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Jesse, Jessy, Jessee, and Jessye.
Middle names for Jessie
A few middle names that flow with Jessie: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jessie
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Lists that include Jessie
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jessie mean?
Jessie is an English and Scottish name that is usually said to mean “pet form of Jessica, Jesse or Janet”.
What is the origin of the name Jessie?
Jessie has English, Scottish, and Hebrew roots. Jessie began in Scotland as a pet form of Janet and Jean, both feminine forms of John.
Is Jessie a popular name?
Yes. Jessie ranked #824 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Jessie a boy or girl name?
Jessie is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 60% of US babies named Jessie were girls and 40% were boys.
How do you pronounce Jessie?
Jessie is usually pronounced JEH-see. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings