To harvest or reaper
Originally a diminutive of Theresa, Tess has long stood as a name in its own right. It is derived from the Greek word 'therizein', meaning to harvest, suggesting a connection to the seasons and nature. The name gained significant literary weight in the late 19th century through Thomas Hardy's famous novel.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
The tragic protagonist of Thomas Hardy's novel · Tess of the d'Urbervilles
Academy Award-nominated American actress
American poet, essayist, and short story writer
The ambitious protagonist played by Melanie Griffith · Working Girl
English model and television presenter
American novelist and retired physician
The wife of Danny Ocean, played by Julia Roberts · Ocean's Eleven
American plus-size model and activist
