Surname Jesse - Meaning and Origin

A Journey Through Ancestry: Discovering the Jesse Lineage through iGENEA DNA Testing

The iGENEA DNA test provided a unique look into my family's history and origin, revealing surprising revelations about my surname, Jesse. The powerful database of iGENEA allowed me to connect not only with my past but also with several individuals who share the same surname from all over the world.

J. Jesse

Jesse: What does the surname Jesse mean?

The surname Jesse is of Hebrew origin and it means "gift" or "God's gift." It derives from the Biblical character Jesse, who was the father of King David. In the Old Testament of the Bible, Jesse is a significant figure as the ancestor of David and thus of Jesus Christ, according to genealogical listings in the New Testament. The name suggests someone who is perceived as a gift or blessing, marking it with a positive connotation. As with many surnames, it was initially given as a first name and then evolved to be used as a surname as well. Over the years, it has been used in many different cultures and parts of the world, sometimes in slightly different forms or spellings. Despite its ancient origins, it remains in use today.

Jesse: Where does the name Jesse come from?

The surname Jesse is derived from the Hebrew personal name “Yishay" which translates to "gift" or "wealth." It became popular through the biblical character Jesse, the father of David, who became the King of Israel. The name later entered Europe during the Middle Ages due to the spread of Christianity and was used primarily as a personal name before becoming a surname.

Today, Jesse as a surname is not very common. It is more widely used as a first name, particularly in English-speaking countries. As a surname, it can be found in diverse areas across the globe owing to migration; however, it's more prevalent in the United States, Germany, and Netherlands. Despite its sporadic presence globally, it doesn't appear to be concentrated in any particular region. Its spread is quite assorted, suggesting a more general use rather than a focused geographical concentration.

Variations of the surname Jesse

The surname Jesse originates from a Hebrew personal name "Yishay", and it is generally associated with the father of King David in the Bible. Variants of the surname are quite diverse and influenced by geographical location, language and immigration.

Different spellings and variants include Jessy, Jess, Jessie, and Jessey. These variants might stem from alternative original spellings or transliterations from different languages, such as Yishai (Hebrew), Iessai (Greek), Isai/Jessej (Russian) and Jessé (French).

As for surnames of the same origin, primarily Hebrew, names like Joshua, Jacob, David, and Solomon are examples. These alternate names share religious roots and similar linguistic origins. However, they've all seen numerous spelling variations and adaptations based on the culture they've merged with, much like the name Jesse.

Remember, the spelling of surnames has often changed over centuries due to factors like migration, literacy levels, and varying language syntaxes. Therefore, while Jesse and its variants commonly refer to the same familial lineage, exceptions may occur due to divergence in different regions and cultures. It is also possible that unrelated families adopted similarly spelled surnames independently.

Famous people with the name Jesse

• Jesse Williams: an American actor, producer, and activist best known for his role in Grey’s Anatomy.
• Jesse McCartney: an American singer and songwriter who has had three Gold records.
• Jesse Jackson: an African-American civil rights activist and a Baptist minister from Greenville, South Carolina.
• Jesse Lee Soffer: an American actor who has gained fame for his roles as Will Munson on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns.
• Jesse Eisenberg: an Academy Award-nominated American actor, author, playwright and humorist known for his roles in films such as The Social Network, Zombieland, Now You See Me, and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
• Jesse Metcalfe: an American actor and musician known for his roles in TV series such as Desperate Housewives and Dallas, as well as films such as John Tucker Must Die and Beyond a Reasonable Doubt.
• Jesse Garcia: an American actor best known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino films such as Death Proof and Inglourious Basterds.
• Jesse James: an American outlaw and outlaw motorcycle designer who gained notoriety for his role in the James Gang in the early 1900s.
• Jesse Ventura: an American former professional wrestler, actor, radio host, and former governor of Minnesota.
• Jesse Novak: a Canadian musician, record producer, multi-instrumentalist, film composer, video game composer, and arranger.

Other surnames

JessJessamyJessatJesseeJesseitJesselJessemanJessenJessickJessieJessienJessimanJessingJessopJessup