Jessica one of the most popular English female names in the world; however, its origins may date back to Biblical times, when it was listed (in Hebrew) as Iskah; when the Bible was translated into British English, the name was also translated to Jesca.
In Hebrew culture, the name Iskah was thought to bestow some form of clairvoyance related to seeing into the future or looking ahead.
Along with its biblical connection, the name Jessica is also linked with England's most respected and well-loved Bard - William Shakespeare. In Shakespeare's famous play, The Merchant Of Venice, the daughter of the greedy and cruel moneylender Shylock (who demanded a literal "pound of flesh") was named Jessica. This was the very first known reference to the name Jessica (with its modern spelling) in English literature.
In the 70s, 80s and 90s, the name Jessica was routinely found in lists of the top 10 or 20 most popular baby names for girls. This name remains a common choice for girls in many English-speaking nations, including America, Canada, and Australia. Today, the name is slightly less popular than is used to be; however, it has become a modern classic that will doubtless continue to appear frequently in the future.
Many popular celebrities share the name Jessica - the most famous examples include King Kong damsel in distress, Jessica Lange, and former Dark Angel (TV show) Jessica Alba, who now works as a Revlon supermodel. A wonderful character actress, the late Jessica Tandy (Driving Miss Daisy), who died in 1994, was also a famous, respected lady with this pretty and feminine first name. Modern pop sensation Jessica Simpson, who now runs a clothing empire branded with her own name, is also one of the most well known Jessicas. Stunning brunette Jessica Biel (The A-Team) is yet another Revlon model with this popular moniker.
In Hebrew culture, the name Iskah was thought to bestow some form of clairvoyance related to seeing into the future or looking ahead.
Along with its biblical connection, the name Jessica is also linked with England's most respected and well-loved Bard - William Shakespeare. In Shakespeare's famous play, The Merchant Of Venice, the daughter of the greedy and cruel moneylender Shylock (who demanded a literal "pound of flesh") was named Jessica. This was the very first known reference to the name Jessica (with its modern spelling) in English literature.
In the 70s, 80s and 90s, the name Jessica was routinely found in lists of the top 10 or 20 most popular baby names for girls. This name remains a common choice for girls in many English-speaking nations, including America, Canada, and Australia. Today, the name is slightly less popular than is used to be; however, it has become a modern classic that will doubtless continue to appear frequently in the future.
Many popular celebrities share the name Jessica - the most famous examples include King Kong damsel in distress, Jessica Lange, and former Dark Angel (TV show) Jessica Alba, who now works as a Revlon supermodel. A wonderful character actress, the late Jessica Tandy (Driving Miss Daisy), who died in 1994, was also a famous, respected lady with this pretty and feminine first name. Modern pop sensation Jessica Simpson, who now runs a clothing empire branded with her own name, is also one of the most well known Jessicas. Stunning brunette Jessica Biel (The A-Team) is yet another Revlon model with this popular moniker.
