God beholds or gift
Jessa is often considered a diminutive of Jessica, which was famously coined by William Shakespeare for a character in 'The Merchant of Venice'. It is believed to be derived from the Hebrew name Iscah, meaning 'to behold' or 'foresight'. In modern usage, it stands alone as a sleek, contemporary alternative to its parent name.
Less common today
Jessa isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #545 in 2015.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
American television personality
Free-spirited character played by Jemima Kirke · Girls
American model and television host
