Jesse (English)

Where does "Jesse" come from?

The name Jesse originates from the Hebrew name Yishai, which means 'gift' or 'God exists.' It entered English via the Ancient Greek form Iessaí, maintaining its significance as the biblical father of King David. Over time, it transitioned from a strictly historical Hebrew figure into a widely used given name, including as a variant for the female name Jessie.

Full etymology tree

• Jesse (English), 'The son of Obed and the father of king David.'
  • borrowed Ἰεσσαί (Iessaí) (Ancient Greek), 'Jesse'
    • borrowed יִשַׁי (Yishai) (Biblical Hebrew)
      • compound י (yi) (Biblical Hebrew)
      • compound שַׁי (sháy) (Biblical Hebrew)
      • compound יֵשׁ (yésh) (Biblical Hebrew)

Direct ancestors

• Ἰεσσαί (Ancient Greek)

Updated June 2026

Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris