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Tessa

Girl name · 306 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Tessa: 306 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 15 births in 1994.

A short form of Theresa, Tessa originated as a pet name in medieval England before becoming a standalone choice with widespread appeal. The root name Theresa itself has uncertain Greek origins, possibly deriving from *therizein* meaning “to harvest,” or from the Greek island of Therasia. Among notable bearers, British actress Tessa Peake-Jones is best known for her long-running role in *Only Fools and Horses*, while Dame Tessa Jowell served as a prominent Labour politician and Culture Secretary. The name’s popularity in Scotland echoes a wider British trend, where it has been consistently given since the 1970s. Tessa also carries a spirited, friendly quality, and notably shares its root with the more formal Theresa, though Tessa remains the preferred modern choice for its lighter, more approachable feel.