Essence
How to say it: ESS-ense · /ˈɛsəns/
Modern English vocabulary name meaning the core nature of a thing; coined as a given name in the late 20th century.
Essence was the 1,001st most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 199 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1990s, its births are up about 26% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #842 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #1,001 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 199 |
| Share of births | 1 in 16,660 |
| Peak decade | 1990s |
| Change over 10 years | +26% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #842 |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Arriving in force during the 1990s, Essence belongs almost entirely to recent decades. Still close to that high, it looks set to edge upward soon.
What goes with it
Breathy and creative in tone, Essence carries a light hiss through flowing syllables. Destiny and Bliss share its spirit.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Essence is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English.
Famous people named Essence
- Essence Atkins (born 1972)American actress
- Essence Carson (born 1986)American basketball player
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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