Surprised how underused this name is...

[Shemozzle]

Tessa.

I've always liked it when seen it on people's lists but just assumed it was very well used, as it is so normal sounding. Really surprised to find it was only given to 60 odd babies last year and is ranked 600 something. So I looked up Teresa and the various spelling diminutives and that is even less used. What do you think of it? Does it sound unusual to you?

[SallyR0se]

I think Tess is popular in an Esme / Pearl / Iris kinda way.

[TheTantrumCometh]

I like Tessa and although initially I agreed and thought it was underused, actually thinking about it I can see that it's probably name that just doesn't get considered but I can't put my finger on why

[ByeByeLilSebastian]

Sounds like a dogs name to me. It's not offensive though

[daisydalrymple]

I like it, have only ever known one, she's early 20s now, the name really suits her. I also love tesni, which is a Welsh girl's name, and again, that's not so popular either. (Here in north Wales )

[mushroomsontoast]

I absolutely love Tess and wish I'd used it for DD. ExH vetoed it on the grounds it's a dog's name! I've never ever met a dog called Tess

[Ylvamoon]

One of my dogs is called Tessa! 😀

[Shemozzle]

But sallyrose Esme is a very popular within the top 50 charts name! I think Iris and Pearl are too, I certainly know several. That was my point that I thought it was much as popular as those but statistically it's unusual.

I've just opened another name thread and all but one poster suggested Tessa in their list! I like it but I'm worried that although underused now it could become the next Ivy/Olivia.

[ftmsoon]

DD has a friend called Tessa! Just started school, so not quite 5 yet. I think it's lovely.

[Shemozzle]

I have met a couple of dogs called Tess/a! But maybe that is why it appeals. I have a dd with a cat name, and we have several 'dog names' on our boys list.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Lovely name!

[HillaryFTW]

I like it.

[instantly]

I've got a Theresa.

It never really struck me as underused. I suppose it is!

[NoCapes]

It just doesn't sound like a full name to me
Sort of the female equivalent of Joey - just sounds wrong as a stand alone name

[Chottie]

I always think that Tessa is a nn for Theresa.

I don't know any dogs, cats or hamsters called Tessa.

[My2centsworth]

Nice name. I think I prefer Tess.

[ScarletForYa]

I like Tess but not Tessa.

[Shemozzle]

I did wonder if it wasn't used because it sounds like a nickname. I do usually prefer full names on BC, but Tessa or even Tess seem like full names to me. I can't stand the name Theresa unfortunately.

[SellFridges]

I know one, she's two. In fact, I know another too but she is 70ish. Surprised there were only 60 though.

[NetHag]

I like it a lot. I love love love Tess.

[Pluto30]

I don't like it at all. Or Tess.

The only Tess I know is my grandparents' cocker spaniel.

[Lovelybangers]

Our last dog was called Tessa.

We loved her -but wouldn't use the name for a human now.

[MrsHathaway]

My initial thoughts are:

1. Tess is just lovely. Zeitgeist.
   
2. Tessa is really not. Lumpen.
   
3. Teresa is very Catholic.

[Hrafnkel]

It's my bff's name so I love it! Also know a few Teresas.

All the people I'm talking about are 40+

[Vixxfacee]

Reminds me of a poor peasant girl walking the moors looking for something to put on her grandmothers bed sore.