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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

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Original poster

Why is Tess/Tessa not popular?

65 replies

kmini · 15/05/2017 05:52

Just that. DH and I have been set on Tess for many years if we have a daughter (8 wks to go till Dc2). We think it's classic, strong but still feminine.

Are we missing something? I know some will say it's a dog's name or others the Two Ton Tess nn. Anything that puts you off?

Any comments appreciated.

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Plunkette · 15/05/2017 05:55

I think it's a lovely name.

I suppose the Tess of the D'Urbervilles isn't a wholly positive association.

However if you love the name, don't let anyone put you off.

Nicky2468 · 15/05/2017 05:58

I like it. Not common but not too 'far out there'

badhotfanny · 15/05/2017 06:01

I love it. Don't know why others don't seem to.

TheDowagerCuntess · 15/05/2017 06:03

It seems very insubstantial to me. But obviously everyone has different tastes and that's a good thing.

Zampa · 15/05/2017 06:06

Do people use Elizabeth and then the nn Tess, leading to a lower entry in baby name lists?

redexpat · 15/05/2017 06:22

The first MP to have twins whilst serving as an MP was a Tess. Cant remember her last name though. Mp for gloucester if anyone wants to google it.

ThomasHardyPerennial · 15/05/2017 06:38

I love Tess, it's such a great name!

HearTheThunderRoar · 15/05/2017 06:48

I live in New Zealand and weirdly Tessa is quite a popular name, especially amongst DD's peers (she's nearly 18)

I think Tessa is a lovely name!

robinia · 15/05/2017 06:51

I like it too.

PetalMettle · 15/05/2017 06:55

Tessa munt is standing for the lib Dems in wells. Tessa is sometimes used as a nn for Theresa so that may be why it's not more popular on its own?

NigellasGuest · 15/05/2017 06:57

It's a very pretty name and I had no idea it wasn't that popular! I've know n a few Tess/Tessas - and there's nothing to really put you off I don't think. Anything can be a dog's name tbh.

catsarenice · 15/05/2017 07:00

I really like it - there are 2 one baby group I go to and one at another

AuntieStella · 15/05/2017 07:07

Possibly because it's still seen by many as a nn. I'd not use it on a BC.

Thatextrainch · 15/05/2017 08:55

Tess always seems unfinished to me as a stand alone name. I like Tessa however I always picture a frumpy mid 40s woman when I hear the name. That said, I know a 2 year old Tess.

KarineAimee · 15/05/2017 08:58

I like it, congratulations!

QuietNameChange · 15/05/2017 08:59

I really like Tessa, even as a "standalone name". But Tess is too nickname-y for the bc imo.

I know a 2 yo "Tess" Theresa. I really like her name :)

SuperBeagle · 15/05/2017 09:23

I just don't like it.

My grandparents had a spaniel named Tess, but it doesn't automatically make me think "dog". I just don't like it/the sound of it. It sounds like it'd be a nickname in Australia, in the same way that Darren because Dazza and Sharon to Shazza... Tessa/Shazza/Dazza etc. all sound one and the same, to me.

SuperBeagle · 15/05/2017 09:23

Tess isn't a nickname for Elizabeth, surely? It's a nickname for Teresa.

newbian · 15/05/2017 09:24

I love Tessa but DH think it's horrible! I knew a few Tessas growing up and they were all sweet pretty girls.

Joinourclub · 15/05/2017 09:26

Lovely name.

Floggingmolly · 15/05/2017 09:27

Yes, it's definitely short for Teresa. Nice name.

MiniMaxi · 15/05/2017 09:27

I like it! Would assume it was nn for Theresa but doesn't have to be.

The nn for Elizabeth (one of many) is Bess, not Tess, surely?

Politician is Tessa Jowell, no?

Joeybee · 15/05/2017 09:31

I really like this name.
I do associate it with my Nannas dog...but that's a personal association. I think it's a lovely name that's totally underused.

JemimaPuddleDuckle · 15/05/2017 12:24

I think it's exactly as you say, classic, strong yet pretty. All the Tessas I know are really lovely and intelligent now that I think about it! I'd say if you and your DH love it, it doesn't matter what others think. Also great to find a lovely name that is known but not too popular.

LizzieMacQueen · 15/05/2017 12:26

Was there not a character 'two tonne Tessa'?

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