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Baby names

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

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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Sophronia · 15/05/2017 14:14

Not sure why it's not more popular. I know one age 27.

YouWhatMate · 15/05/2017 15:31

I had to check on darkgreener and I thought it would be top 100 tbh. Top 200 at least, but it's down in the 600s!

I think it's fine OP. And your DD will likely not meet many others with her name, so that's great!

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 15/05/2017 18:19

I ❤️ Tess, it's beautiful.

Ketzele · 15/05/2017 18:25

I like both Tess and Tessa.

spacecowboy99 · 15/05/2017 18:54

It's lovely. But I would also assume it's a nn for Theresa/Teresa.

Rainsbow · 15/05/2017 19:05

I know a Tess/a, she's 28, short for Tessia - unusual but love it.

Youvegotafriendinme · 15/05/2017 19:11

I think tessa is a lovely name

Susiethetortoiseshellcat · 15/05/2017 20:13

I love love love Tess but not keen on Tessa or Theresa. Surprised it's not more popular.

JanuaryJuniper · 15/05/2017 20:39

I LOVE it but then I am going with Nell which has a similar feel to Tess/Tessa and I'm happy to use it as a stand alone birth cert name.

Tempranillo · 15/05/2017 22:09

It can be short for Esther too

DramaAlpaca · 15/05/2017 22:52

I like Tess very much, but not Tessa which sounds very 70s to me.

BathshebaKnickerStickers · 15/05/2017 22:57

I have a 7 yo Tess and everyone loves her name....!!!

She is fab

Mrsknackered · 15/05/2017 23:33

I love Tess. Never really thought about it before but I've just said it out loud and love it! I like Tessie too.
Not so much Tessa.
My dad knows a Contessa, think she's NN Tess

zzzzz · 15/05/2017 23:37

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Notmyrealname85 · 15/05/2017 23:42

Beautiful name. Does make me think of the novel so I suppose a bit of sadness comes with it

AbernathysFringe · 15/05/2017 23:47

I find it quite butch, practical-sounding and nicknamey like Becca. But then there's the (beloved by MN) Tess Daly of course...

Original poster
kmini · 16/05/2017 06:31

Thank you for all your replies. Wobble slightly diminished with your replies, although I was slightly surprised that some people saw it as a nn for Tracey or akin to a Shazza/ Dazza name! I did ask though Smile

OP posts:
zzzzz · 16/05/2017 18:46

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Original poster
kmini · 16/05/2017 20:23

Zzzz do you mind if I ask what part of the country you are in?

OP posts:
Puddleducks123 · 16/05/2017 20:37

Met a 2 week old Tess today.

zzzzz · 16/05/2017 20:41

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allegretto · 16/05/2017 20:41

Because it Redmond the of Theresa May?

allegretto · 16/05/2017 20:42

Arrgh...autocorrect fail...reminds

Original poster
kmini · 16/05/2017 20:48

Thanks zzzz!

OP posts:
Brighteyes27 · 16/05/2017 20:49

I liked it too for the same reasons as you and still think it's a nice name but I was put off as DH kept saying Tess of the D. I don't like Tessa personally it's too much like Theresa (and I picture Theresa May).