Jessi

Jessi is a diminutive form of Jessica, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Yiskah, meaning "to behold" or "God beholds." This short, sweet variation emerged in the late 20th century as an independent given name, offering a casual, friendly alternative to the more formal Jessica. Jessi's popularity peaked in the 1980s and 1990s when Jessica ranked among the top baby names in many English-speaking countries. This variant has a youthful, approachable quality that retains its charm into adulthood. The spelling with an 'i' ending gives it a perky, modern feel compared to the 'ie' or 'y' variants. Jessi strikes a balance between familiarity and individuality, recognizable without being overly common in its specific form.

Jessi is also given to boys, where it ranks #10144 in the US.

Pronounced JES-ee.

As of October 2026, Jessi ranked #3118 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #648 in 1981.