Jess

Introduction
Jess is a British surname of English origin. It is derived from the medieval male given name "Jesse," which comes from the Hebrew name "Yishai," meaning "gift" or "God's gift."

History
The surname Jess has ancient roots in England, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is believed to have been introduced by the Norman conquerors following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over time, it spread across the country and became established among English families.

Distribution
The surname Jess is found throughout the United Kingdom, with concentrations in various regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Scotland. It has also spread beyond the British Isles to other English-speaking countries, particularly in the former British colonies.

Notable Individuals

  • Lionel Jess (1916–1997): A British artist known for his landscape paintings.
  • Alice Jess (born 1985): Notable British actress with roles in several popular television series.
  • Sir John Jess (1802–1876): Renowned British politician and social reformer.

Variants
Variants of the surname Jess include Jesse, Jessop, and Jessup. These variations reflect changes in spelling and pronunciation over the centuries.

Coat of Arms
The Jess family coat of arms features traditional heraldic elements such as shields, crests, and mottoes, symbolizing the family's heritage and values.

Conclusion
The surname Jess is a prominent part of British surnames with a rich history and lineage. It is associated with individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields and continues to be proudly carried by many families in the United Kingdom and beyond.

There are approximately 883 people named Jess in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,145th most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named Jess.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Gary
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Samuel
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Anne
  • Caroline
  • Carolyn
  • Catherine
  • Corinne
  • Elaine
  • Elizabeth
  • Karen
  • Lindy
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.