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

Origin: "Yishai."

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.

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

Origin: "Iscah."

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.