Ways to "Tess"
By Viviana
Updated Thu May 18 2023
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- Tessa
Origin:
Diminutive of TheresaMeaning:
"to reap, to gather"Description:
Tessa is one of those golden names that's been popular but not TOO popular for several decades now. Tessa has ranked in the Top 500 in the US since 1981 but has risen only once above Number 200.
- Esther
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"star"Description:
Esther was derived from the Old Persian word stāra, meaning "star." In the Old Testament, Esther, originally named Hadassah, was the captured Jewish wife of the King of Persia who risked her life to save her exiled people from annihilation. This story is celebrated by Jews on the holiday of Purim, so that it has traditionally been given to girls around that time.
- Theresa
Origin:
English form of the Spanish TeresaMeaning:
"to harvest"Description:
The popular appeal of the strong, intelligent Saint Teresa of Avila, combined with the selfless compassion of the more recent Mother Teresa, have fused to give this second-tier classic a somewhat noble, religious image. Although the origins of the name are uncertain, it has been prevalent particularly in forms Theresa, Teresa, and Therese throughout Europe for centuries.
- Hester
Origin:
Medieval variation of Esther, PersianMeaning:
"star"Description:
The disgraced heroine of The Scarlet Letter's name, after long neglect, just might have a chance at revival, following in the wake of sister-name Esther. We've characterized her elsewhere as an eccentric aristocrat, much more accepted in the U.K. than she has been here.
- Thalassa
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"the sea"Description:
A pretty, rarely used Greek name, Thalassa is the ancient personification of the sea, particularly the Mediterranean, who is sometimes considered the mother of Aphrodite. In 1991, a newly discovered moon of Neptune was dubbed Thalassa.
- Hestia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"hearth, fireside"Description:
Hestia is the name of the Greek goddess of the hearth, home and chastity. Though Hestia has been long dormant as a name, it's a possibility for the parent in search of a classic name with deep roots that's also unusual. It's one of the Greek goddess namesthat's both familiar and distinctive.
- Tinsley
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"Tynni's meadow"Description:
New York socialite and reality TV star Tinsley Mortimer introduced this name to the mainstream. Following her Gossip Girl cameo in 2008 and the airing of her own show, High Society in 2010, this once obscure choice began to climb the charts. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016 and though 2023 saw it drop from the charts, it is still given to around 250 girls each year.
- Tempest
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"turbulent, stormy"Description:
Tempest is one of those names that could go either way. Cool, evocative modern word name? Or asking for trouble? Your call, but if you decide the former image is dominant, be warned that some people will see it as the latter.
- Therese
Origin:
German and Scandinavian variation of TheresaMeaning:
"to reap, gather, harvest"Description:
A form of Theresa with a touch of European flair along with its saintly connotations, Therese is particularly familiar in Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, and the UK. While it has declined in use in recent years, it remains a solid choice with nicknames ranging from Reese to Tessie, Thea to Tessan, Terri to Tracey.
- Justice
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"the quality of being just, impartial, or fair"Description:
Justice is a fashionable word name, used for both girls and boys. Justice has the distinction of being a virtue name without the religious implications of Faith or Grace. It still feels more male than female, perhaps partly due to the classic Roman name Justus, but Justice has become a more common pick for girls in recent years.
- Thessaly
Origin:
Greek, place name, meaning unknownDescription:
The name of an area in northern Greece, known in the era of Homer's Odyssey as Aeolia, Thessaly makes a spirited and pretty place name. Reminiscent of Tessa, Rosalie, and Thea, the name likely derives from that of an ancient tribe, though the exact meaning isn't known.
- Themis
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"law of nature, divine law"Description:
Themis was the Titan -- one of the Elder Gods (or in this case Goddesses) -- of Justice and Order, usually depicted blindfolded and holding the scales of justice. Themis was the mother of the Fates and the seasons. While her name has fallen from mortal use, Themis might rise again along with such rediscovered goddess names as Aurora and Juno.
- Quintessa
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"essence"Description:
Sounds like a fictional rank of royalty.
- Thomasina
Origin:
English, feminine variation of Thomas, AramaicMeaning:
"twin"Description:
Though rarely used now that many parents would rather appropriate men's names than sweeten them with feminine endings, Thomasina does have some vintage appeal.
- Thetis
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"dogmatic"Description:
This name of the mythological mother of Achilles might suffer from English speakers making the rhyming association to the word fetus. The traditional Greek pronunciation might alleviate that problem.
- Thomasine
Description:
Thomasine is the feminine form of Thomas, a name of Aramaic origin meaning "twin." This elegant variation emerged during medieval times when feminizing male names by adding suffixes like "-ine" or "-ina" was common practice. While never achieving widespread popularity, Thomasine saw occasional use in England from the Middle Ages through the 19th century. The name carries a distinctive vintage charm with its classical derivation and melodious three-syllable structure. Thomasine offers a more elaborate alternative to the simpler Thomasa or Tomasa variants. Today, it remains quite rare, appealing to parents drawn to historical names with feminine elegance. The name combines traditional roots with an uncommon status, making it both familiar and distinctive.
- Terese
Description:
Terese is a feminine given name that serves as a variation of Teresa or Theresa. These names derive from the Greek 'therizein' meaning 'to harvest,' or possibly 'therizo' meaning 'summer harvest.' Some sources also connect it to the Greek island of Thera (Santorini). Terese has a refined, elegant quality while being slightly less common than the more traditional Teresa spelling. The name gained modest popularity in Europe and North America throughout the 20th century, partly influenced by notable figures like Saint Teresa of Ávila and Mother Teresa. Terese carries associations of warmth, compassion, and spiritual depth due to these religious connections, while maintaining a classic, timeless appeal.
- Tessia
Description:
Tessia is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variation of Tessa, which is a diminutive of Teresa (meaning 'harvester' or 'to reap' from Greek), or it could be derived from Thessaly, an ancient region in Greece. The name has a lyrical, flowing quality that gives it a gentle and elegant feel. While not among the most common names, Tessia has seen occasional usage in various cultures, particularly in Europe and North America. The melodic sound and feminine quality make it appealing to parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible. Tessia carries an air of classical beauty combined with a modern sensibility, making it versatile across different cultural contexts.
- Tennessee
Origin:
Native American, Cherokee, place-nameMeaning:
"bend in the river or meeting place"Description:
Young rocker Tennessee Thomas has brought this former one-person name over to the girls' side -- though the census roles of North Carolina in 1850 included a female named Tennessee and called Tincy.
- Betrys
Description:
Betrys is a feminine name with Welsh origins, representing a Celtic variant of Beatrice. The traditional name Beatrice comes from Latin 'Beatrix,' meaning 'she who brings happiness' or 'blessed.' This Welsh adaptation maintains the beautiful meaning while incorporating distinctive Celtic phonetics. Betrys has remained quite rare, even within Wales, giving it an air of uniqueness and historical charm. The name carries medieval echoes while still feeling accessible to modern ears. Despite its ancient roots, Betrys has never achieved widespread popularity, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a name with authentic Welsh heritage and uncommon status. The distinctive spelling offers a fresh alternative to more familiar forms like Beatrice or Beatrix while maintaining the connection to its rich etymological meaning of joy and blessedness.