Tessa is a distinctive girls' name in England & Wales, ranking #667 in 2025 with 56 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 78 births ranking #410. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 28.2%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 4,523 girls born was named Tessa. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Tessa is a polished short name most often linked to Theresa. It feels bright, graceful, and quietly classic.
The name gained independent life because it sounded more streamlined and modern than some longer traditional forms. Its warmth and simplicity have helped it stay attractive across decades.