Chessie

Chessie is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive of Francesca, Chelsea, or Chester, though it has evolved to stand independently. The name carries a playful, cheerful quality with its soft 'ch' sound and affectionate '-ie' ending. It gained modest recognition in the United States through the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway's mascot, a sleeping kitten named Chessie, giving the name a touch of vintage Americana. While never reaching widespread popularity, Chessie appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet remains uncommon. It projects a friendly, approachable persona while maintaining a touch of uniqueness. In recent years, as vintage nicknames have returned to favor as standalone names, Chessie has seen small upticks in usage.

Pronounced CHES-ee.

As of October 2026, Chessie ranked #14152 in US births in 2008 SSA, peaked at #915 in 1889.