Meaning and history
Nessa has distinct origins. In English it is often a short form of Vanessa, a name created by Jonathan Swift from parts of Esther Vanhomrigh’s name, or of names such as Agnes. In Irish tradition, Ness or Nes is the name of the mother of Conchobar mac Nessa in the Ulster Cycle; the early meaning is uncertain. Nessa is also used as a Hebrew feminine name associated with nes, “miracle,” though transliteration varies. Notable bearers include American singer-songwriter Nessa Barrett.
20062006: 26 births, rank #5,233
2007: 26 births, rank #5,377
2008: 28 births, rank #5,142
2009: 31 births, rank #4,677
2010: 25 births, rank #5,414
20112011: 37 births, rank #3,999
2012: 20 births, rank #6,341
2013: 32 births, rank #4,422
2014: 32 births, rank #4,455
2015: 49 births, rank #3,299
20162016: 83 births, rank #2,287
2017: 74 births, rank #2,432
2018: 63 births, rank #2,711
2019: 43 births, rank #3,552
2020: 53 births, rank #3,015
20212021: 59 births, rank #2,848
2022: 53 births, rank #3,073
2023: 54 births, rank #3,047
2024: 58 births, rank #2,857
20252025: 63 births, rank #2,719
In 2025, 63 babies were recorded with the name Nessa, ranking #2,719 among girls.