Etymology
Jessi is a spelling variant of Jessie 1, which itself originated as a Scots diminutive of Jean 2. In modern usage, Jessie and its variants like Jessi are often used as diminutives of Jessica. The name Jessica was coined by William Shakespeare for his play The Merchant of Venice (c.1598), likely based on the biblical Hebrew name Iscah. The chain extends through Jean to the root name Jane, a medieval English form of the Old French Jehanne, ultimately feminine forms of John.
Usage and Variants
Jessi is primarily used in English-speaking countries. It is more casual and contemporary than its root forms. Related variants include Jess, Jessa, Jessie, Jessy, and Jessye. Although rare in other languages, forms like Shavon (African American) and Zhanna (Ukrainian) are also ultimately cognates via the John chain.
- Meaning: A variant of Jessie, itself a diminutive of Jean/Jessica
- Origin: Scots, English
- Type: First name
- Usage Regions: English-speaking countries
Other Languages & Cultures
Sources: Wiktionary — Jessi