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

Origin: "Yishai."

Popularity: The name Jessie ranked 412th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics and 235th 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.

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

Origin: "Iscah."

Languages: This girl's name is used in English.

Nickname For: Janet and Jessica

Compound Forms: Jessette

Alternative Spellings: Jesi, Jessee, Jessi, Jessy, Jessye, Jescie and Jesey

Popularity: The name Jessie ranked 438th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics and 215th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

This name is highly rated in the 1990 U.S. Census popularity survey of all ages, but after 1960 does not appear in the state data listing the most popular baby names.

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.