Nessa Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Nessa is an Irish name that means 'rough' or 'not gentle.' It has evolved from Old Irish to modern forms and is associated with strength and uniqueness. The name has no biblical relevance and gained popularity in the 20th century, especially in Ireland. Notable people with this name include singer Nessa Barrett and characters from folklore.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Nessa"
Pronunciation
/ˈnɛsə/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Nessa is derived from the Old Irish name 'Nessa,' which is believed to mean 'not gentle' or 'rough.' It may also be linked to the word 'néis,' meaning 'to be born.'
Meaning
rough, not gentle
Language Evolution
Nessa (Old Irish), Nessy (Anglicized form), Nessa (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Nessa gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in Ireland and among those of Irish descent, often used in literature and folklore.
Variants & Derivatives
Nessy, Ness, Nessia
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Nessa is perceived as a charming and unique name, often associated with strength and independence.
Famous People
Nessa Barrett, American singer and social media personality, Nessa, a character in Irish folklore
📊 Nessa Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Nessa Name Visualizations
✨ Nessa Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 83 peak births in 2016
Geographic Spread
Popular across 10 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Nessa" - Complete Guide (1 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Nessa". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Nessa" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Nessa"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Nessa"
"Nessa" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 8072nd of 9204 | 10 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 9454th of 12526 | 18 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 7405th of 19264 | 88 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 6446th of 27321 | 192 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 5731st of 35406 | 344 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3039th of 30306 | 652 |
Regional Popularity of "Nessa" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Nessa" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
100.00% 5194th/5194 |
93.73% 5921st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
76.74% 5727th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
76.61% 3052nd/3984 |
48.43% 2173rd/4487 |
73.79% 5034th/6822 |
45.94% 2883rd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Nessa"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Nessa" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Nessa" in the United States
The name Nessa is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Nessa has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Nessa' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 8072nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 9454th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7405th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6446th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5731st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3039th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Nessa' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.