Jesse - name meaning and origin

The boy's name Jesse \j(es)-se\, also used as girl's name Jesse, is pronounced JESS-ee. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "the Lord exists". Biblical: the shepherd father of King David. Jessie is also used for girls. The similar-sounding Jesiah is a variant of Joshua. Athlete Jesse Owens; politician Jesse Jackson; outlaw Jesse James.

Jesse has 6 variant forms: Jess, Jessey, Jesiah, Jessie, Jessy and Yishai.

For more information, see also the related name Jessamine.

Baby names that sound like Jesse are Jase, Josue and Joss.

Jesse is a very popular male first name and a very popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy's name Jesse. Compare Jesse with related baby names.