Meaning
The meaning of Jesse
Jesse's exact meaning is discussed, with traditional explanations including gift or ideas connected with being. The name's biblical importance comes especially from Jesse as David's father.
Name story
The father of David
Jesse appears most memorably when Samuel comes to Bethlehem to anoint a king from among his sons. David, the overlooked youngest, is chosen.
That gives Jesse a quiet but important role in the story of kingship. The name is connected with roots, household, and unexpected calling.
Christian reading
The root of Jesse
Isaiah's language about the root or shoot of Jesse became deeply important in Christian hope and Advent tradition.
For Christian families, Jesse can feel gentle and approachable while still carrying royal and messianic resonance.
Sound
How to pronounce Jesse
- Phonetic
- JESS-ee
- IPA
- /ˈdʒɛsi/
2 syllables · stress: JESS-ee · ends in a vowel
Forms
Variants and nicknames
Alternate spellings
- Yishai
- Jessé
- Jessi
Short forms and nicknames
- Jess
- Jessie
Languages
Jesse in other languages
- Hebrew
- יִשַׁיYishai
- Greek
- ἸεσσαίIessai
- Latin
- Iesse
- Spanish
- Isaí
- French
- Jessé
- German
- Isai
- Italian
- Iesse
- Russian
- ИессейIessey
Christian background
Christian and biblical background
Jesse matters in Christian tradition because the line of David is central to messianic expectation. The phrase root of Jesse has shaped Christian worship and seasonal readings.
Scripture
The biblical figure
Jesse is David's father from Bethlehem. His family becomes central when Samuel anoints David.
Bearers
Notable people named Jesse
biblical
JesseFather of King David in 1 Samuel, ancestor of the Davidic line referenced in the Christian phrase the root of Jessehistorical
Jesse JamesAmerican outlaw of the post-Civil War period, 1847 to 1882historical
Jesse OwensAmerican track and field athlete, four-time gold medalist at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, 1913 to 1980modern
Jesse JacksonAmerican civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and former presidential candidate, born 1941modern
Jesse EisenbergAmerican actor known for The Social Network, born 1983
Naming history
Naming tradition and history
Jesse has long been used in English-speaking contexts and feels friendly, warm, and biblical without being heavy.
Recent US use
Jesse in recent US use
- Rank in 2025
- #184
- Peak rank
- #26 in 1882
- Recent trend
- stable over the last 5 years
- Years in the SSA records
- 146 (since 1880)
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880-2025.
Sibling fit
Sibling name suggestions
For families
For families looking at Jesse
Jesse may suit parents who want a soft-sounding biblical boy name with deep roots in David's story and Christian hope.
Common questions
What does Jesse mean?
Jesse's meaning is discussed, with traditional explanations including gift or ideas connected with being.
Is Jesse a biblical name?
Yes. Jesse is David's father in 1 Samuel.
Why is Jesse important to Christians?
Jesse is important because of the Davidic line and the root of Jesse imagery in Christian messianic reading.
Sources
Sources for Jesse
- A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, Brown, Driver, and BriggsSupports: Hebrew etymology; meaning discussed as 'gift' or connected with being.
- The First Book of Samuel, King James Version (KJV 1769)Supports: biblical figure; father of David in 1 Samuel 16.
Last reviewed July 19, 2026. See our methodology, or report an error on the corrections page.
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