Okay readers. I need some unbiased help. My husband and I have been discussing a certain name that one of us really loves and the other thinks is too gender neutral. We both want a name that when people hear it or see it they will know is a boy. We both think that seeing this name people will think boy.
The problem is that one of us thinks that when people hear this name they will think girl or will not be sure boy or girl. So I am putting up a poll on my blog to get an idea what a sample of the public thinks of this name. Boy for sure - Girl for sure - or gender neutral/not sure.
PLEASE let me know whether you think BOY GIRL or NOT SURE/COULD BE EITHER when you HEAR the name...
OH yeah! Could you ask your husband or wife to vote too so we can ensure the vote is not overwhelmingly female? Thanks!
JESSE
Thanks readers!
I should note that this in no way indicates we have chosen this name. It is one on a long list of names we have been discussing.
129 comments:
I've been following your blog and love and appreciate all the wisdom you have shared with us. I wanted to suggest the name site that we love, nymbler.com - you can put in the names of your children and it will give you ideas of names that go well with it. And for what it's worth, when I hear "Jesse" my first thought is boy because of Uncle Jesse on Full House :) But if I see "Jessie" written with an "i" for example, I think girl.
My brother and his wife just named their baby boy Jesse. He was named after my great grandfather Jesse Waite. I think it is a great name! My brothers wife has a terminal illness and is disabled, so the fact that she was even able to conceive, much less carry to term was a true miracle. They have been married for 14 years and are finally parents--a true blessing.
Good luck with naming your special little spirit.
emily - what is jesse waite's wife's name??
I answered as I wouldn't be sure, it could be either. But I do sort of lean towards thinking it is a girl, I guess after thinking about it more. Seeing the name, ya, it is definitely a boy. But just hearing it, I wouldn't be sure but thinking its more likely a girl.
But my name is Randi! When you see it (for the most part) people know I am a girl. But just hearing the name, 9 1/2 out of 10 times people assume its a boy. Its never really been an issue for me though. No permanent damage done because of it! ;)
I think girl because the only Jessies I've known have been girls...
To me it is more of a girls name only because I have a Jessica and she hates to be called Jessie because she thinks it is to girlie.
I believe that if you use prayer while picking you will pick a name that fits him perfectly. With each of my 4 kids we had names picked out. A couple of each because I didn't know what I was going to have. Then with each of them after they were born the name just seemed to come to us. Not once was it a name that we had picked earlier. But the names sure fit them.
I also think "girl" when I hear the name. I have known 3 different Jessicas who were called Jessie for short. I've only known one Jesse and that was a long time ago.
I have a male friend Jesse and a female cousin Jessie. So when I HEAR the name, I think both. But seeing the spelling it's for sure a boy. Personally, I think you should go with what you LOVE and what you feel fits. Regardless of the results of any poll or anyone else's opinions. My family made fun of my son's name to my face before he was born, but I loved it so we did it anyway. And I wouldn't change it in a million years!! It's what I love and it fits him perfectly. There's my two-cents. :)
I think of boy!! Hope that helps.
Jessi I my niece's name...doesn't matter the spelling, cause people don't hear how it's spelled. I tend to think of it more for a girl, probably cause of my niece. Good luck!
I think completely boy in every way.
I automatically think boy because that is my husband's name
I automatically thought boy.... but then I started thinking of all the girls I know named Jesse and I got all confused. HAHA But at first thought, it was boy.
My sister's name is Brette. Like a boy, Brett. She was actually named after a boy, and my parents thought she was going to be a boy, so when she came out a girl, they still named her Brette and just put an e on the end to make it more feminine. She is 20yrs old now and LOVES her name. She did have a few mean boys in gradeshcool tease her though. But, I think that no matter what you name your child... they make the best of that name, and would have it no other way. So if you name him Jesse, or something totally different, he will honor his name no matter what!
If I had a boy, I would name him Dirk!!! hehe
Definately thought boy when I read the name. By the way I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog, you have an amazing family and even more amazing faith. Thank you for sharing and I'm very excited for your and your family this this new baby! Girls are special, but boys really have a special place in mama's hearts! A friend in East Texas, Pam.
I think girl when I hear it, but I've had 2 ladies in my ward name their boys Jesse in the past 2 years.
My husband's name is Jesse and so is my son's middle name so of course I think boy! My husband has never been remotely bothered by the fact that he shares his name with a large portion of the female population. It seems that most boy names are being used for girls so I don't know that any are safe anymore. I though my little Jackson was safe from that but sure enough I've met a little girl with the same name. As long as it's not ultra-feminine I don't think it matters. (Go listen to Johnny Cash's song, A Boy Named Sue. It always makes me laugh! He turned out Ok! :)
Ha, I didn't even realize I was logged in under his name!
I thought GIRL and my husband's immediate response was BOY.
Obviously, we are no help.
I think girl, but if I saw it on paper written Jesse, I'd think boy! Definitely gender neautral in my opinion. I'm sure since it's your first boy, you can agree on a strong boy name that won't be questioned......
I think Jesse is boy, but if I heard it and it was a girl I wouldn't be surprised. I had a briend growing up that was Jessica and her nickname was Jesse. It's cute!
I think "boy" when I hear or see the name Jesse - but I know that it would be one of those names that if I actually had to call or address a note to someone by that name (and didn't know them personally) I would be squirming over whether to go with "Mr." or "Miss"
My husband and I both say GIRL when you hear it said. But if you see the way it's spelled it's obviosly BOY. We also have a family member named Jessica that goes by Jessie so our opinion may be biased.
I have a Jessica, who I would by no means ever call "Jessie." I've never considered why, but now that you're asking, I guess to me think "Jesse" sounds more masculine. :)
My husband says boy.
I think of a boy instantly when I hear the name Jesse (I have a grandpa with that name and two nephews), however I taught a girl who went by Jesse. Her real name is Jessica.
I think Jesse is a very strong masculine name. Hebrew in origin, meaning "Gods gift"
I think it suits "Peanut" perfectly.
When I hear Jesse I think of a girl.
I think it could definitely be a boy name BUT if I heard that name rattled off with the names of his siblings I would probably think girl, just because all the other names are girl names.
I think boy name
I hear girl, without a doubt.
boy.
I am an anonymous reader but felt I must comment on this. It so happens I have a son named Jesse (love the name) and also have a granddaughter named Jessie (love the name) both named after my grandmother (loved the grandmother). So I guess I am not really voting either way but both ways. Bible Dictionary: Jesse, Father of David, and therefore ancestor of all the kings of Judah and also of Christ. Its a great name!
Girl when I hear it, boy when I see it written that spelling.
If I see JESSE, I think boy- so does my hubby.
Jesse is masculine, Jessie would be feminine.
It is a great name! (I would couple it with an "masculine only" middle name- William, Harrison, a good family name... no Lee, or anything that could be either-)
I hope that makes sense :)
My husband and I both think probably boy.
My husband immediately thought of a girl's name and I think of Jesse as a boy's name. Hope this helps!
I think girl when hearing it, but think boy when reading it (Jesse vs. Jessie)
It made me think of a girl when I first saw the name. Sorry.
I love the name Jesse! I have a cousin (a boy) named Jesse! I also agree with Cailean because I also loved "unlce Jesse" on Full House! I'm so happy for you guys!
I said "Probably a boy", because really it could be both, but I know more boys who go by Jesse. Then I thought of Jess-which i instantly think, girl, because usually Jess is short for Jessica.
Good luck!
Could be either. We have a niece named Jesse, but it's short for Jessica.
If you use Jesse between you and my sister we'll have two matching named cousins (she has a Lauren too and I always catch myself calling her LaLa.) FYI--Jesse is my brother-in-laws dad's name (he goes by Jess) and he also has a son Jesse and I think a grandfather. I think it is more a boys name but Toy Story 2 familiarized it as cowgirl Jessie...
With that spelling, a boy. But hearing it, I would think it could be either one.
My spouse and I both think guy -- because we have known a lot of males named Jessie (and few if any females). I think the impression it makes will be dictated by this for most people. If they knew a girl Jessie, it will be up in the air.
I think the response might have been very different 10 or 15 years ago when Jessica was all the rage.
At this point in time, I think of boy when I hear Jesse. The spelling of it leaves no doubt.
I like the name. I like Aaron too but that presents the same issue.
Hubby always says that people grow into their name - I think he's right.
When our second child was born, I was prepared for another blonde and pink-skinned baby. We couldn't decide between Shawn or Shane for a boy.
When he was born with a thick mop of jet black hair & a ruddy complexion, neither name seemed right. He just looked like a Matthew to me.
However, we stuck to our guns and went with Shane and now couldn't imagine him being called anything else.
Stephanie, thanks for the color combos - they will make some awesome looking hats!
I work with two Jessie's, one a man and one a woman.
Definitely boy. My sons girlfriends name is Jessica- he calls her Jesse and I think it's too male....
You could use Jesse as a middle name, and have the first name be a more obvious boy's name. :-)
Jesse/Jessie is a very common nickname for Jessica. When I hear it, I have no idea if it's boy or girl.
My husband says - Boy
I say - Neutral...
good luck !
My husband said, Jesse James, a boy.
I would have to ask gender.
I know more girls with the name.
My Dad's middle name is Marion. They named my sister Marion after him.
You should go with whatever you and Jonathan decide.
F.Y.I. I named my son Jonathan love the name.
Until a few months ago I would have said boy, for sure, but a friend of mine just had a baby girl and named her Jesse. I kind of hate it because little Jesse has five older brothers and I was really hoping for a more feminine name for her little girl. In most cases if someone told me that a baby's name was Jesse I would assume it was a boy.
1st and foremost... I LOVE your blog! i have been following it lately and have felt nothing but the spirit! i go home everyday i read it and tell my husband how wonderful your blog is and how inspirational it is! Our blog is set at private so if you try and enter it wont allow you, but i do have some questions for you and i know that it would take up WAY too much room here so i was wondering if you would email me and i could email you back and get some advice from you! I could also send you an invite to our blog so you can see exactly who you are talking with :) My email address is Ltracy62406@yahoo.com.
And about the name... I think of a girl, my husband thinks of a boy :) i hope that helps
Jesse is one of Brad's mom's favorite names. It was on our list when we had Ben. Good luck!
I think girl when hearing, my husband said boy because of Uncle Jesse. Written it's clearly boy.
Ok, here's my vote. Jesse spelled that way is totally boy to me. I love it, and I grew up with a Jesse in my ward. My dear husband says it's girly. So, we're split in this house. But, spelled that way, I'd say boy for sure!
It sure better be a boy name since it is what we just named our baby boy who was born five weeks ago. :)
I think it's a GREAT name, but I guess I'm not an unbiased opinion. :) Good luck with the name choosing.
Used to be boy to me but now the gender line is blurred so now I think girl. And know a few girls with that name.
I think for our generation it was always a boy...just like Jordan, Taylor, and Alex. But now it is gender neutral. I was telling my kids a story about my friends son who is Jesse (14 yrs. old) and they kept saying, "why did they name him a girl name." Sorry...I really like it though!
I say boy no question when it is spelled that way. Husband agrees.
I think it is a boy name. The way it is spelled looks like a boy, so when i hear it and see it I think boy.
Hi Stephanie! I have been following your blog lately since I finally got high speed internet. Finally, I know. I wanted to tell you that I love you! You are the most amazing woman I know. I have always admired you. Your testimony, friendship, and example to so many. I've always laughed on how me and you and the lady that used to live in the Gaviota house had all girls. Our boy came on number 5 also. We named him "Quinn" because it means 5. I love it. I dont know if I could have done it if it had been a girl?? I was grateful that he came when he did. And now we have another girl! Oh well! I love having girls. And Im grateful to have the experience of atleast one son. I love you! Good luck with the name choosing!
My sister just named her girl Jesse, but we also have 3 adult male friends named Jesse as well.
I have heard both boy & girl named this but I know more girls with the name.
Jesse is my brother's name!
I have an aunt who goes by this name, this spelling too. So for me, it's definitely a gender neutral name, or possibly even going toward the female side - Rebecca
Boy forsure! we know two jesse's and they are both boys.. maybe if it were jessie.. it would be girlie.. i love that name
sounds gender neutral to me and Spencer.
When I was pregnant with our third and did not know what we were having, we both liked Jesse Aaron for boy and Jessie Erin for girl (short for Jessica). Well when the baby popped out, it was a girl! And I wasn't feeling the Jessica Erin too much, so we named her Lily which is after my g-ma's favorite flower, calla lily. Which fits her perfectly. I think of your family often because my little Lily was born a week after your little Camille.
My husband obviously says boy for Jesse. We both have always loved that name. I like what Jesse commented on the Johnny Cash song. We listen to that often because my husband's name is Shannon and now so is our son. HA!
By the way, you look great in your pregnancy picture.
Take care,
Juanita
There are so many Jessica's out there that nowadays when I hear Jesse I think oh, short for Jessica!
Just a thought.... I am sure whatever you name this sweet little boy will be as wonderful as the names you chose for your unique daughters.
Have a wonderful weekend!
PS> I love the name Lane for a boy. Sharing my absolute favorite (besides Miles, of course : )
ps. my hubby says girl. he was like, who are you asking this for?! : )
I'll admit, if I hear 'Jessie' I think girl. But when I hear 'Jess' I think boy. SO it depends on how you will be pronouncing it. Spelling is 100% BOY! (I might add that I may be a bit biased because I have a grandpa, brother, nephew, and son with the name. I obviously love the choice!)
YEARS ago in a parents magazine I read that if you are worried about the masculinity of a name your general rule of thumb is that once in crosses onto the "girl" list, you should refrain from naming a boy that name. You can't predict trends and for all you know your boy may end up with a girly name like, leslie, shannon, ashley, or kelly. Goodness, even names like Michael and Ryan aren't safe from the girl list. Where does the madness end?
But I should talk my son is Riley and my daughter is Cameryn! :)
Happy whittling.
I know quiet a few Jesse's so it makes me think boy because of them the only thing that would make me think girl is if she was a Jessica and went by Jesse for short but I think boy.
My husband says boy and so do I. When I hear that a girl is named Jessie, which I have known a few, I think that they have a boy's name. People have quite the opinion about this name, huh? :) Good luck!
When I hear "Jesse", I think girl since my husband's aunt is named Jessie, and it is the nickname of my daughter's friend, Jessica.
Well, I think BOY, but I am biased because that is my son's name! :) To me, JESSE is a masculine, manly name...and the only name we could agree on 23 years ago!
I think both like Taylor - gender neutral, but I love the name.
This is my husbands name :) and he is a MAN'S MAN!
my husband says girl, i say it could go both ways, my name is jessica and growing up there was always a lot of jessicas in my class's. One of us always had to go by Jesse. But i was also a full house fan so i can see it both ways
Jesse is an AWESOME name! I had this same struggle 10 months ago when my baby was born. I love the name Jesse SO much but didn't want it to be too "girly" I got mixed reactions when I asked people what they thought, but when I hear Jesse I think of "Jesse James" you can't get more manly then that!
If you love it do it. When you just "hear" a name you have all kinds of assumptions. But when you put a face and personality with a name then that is what you will think of. When they meet him, "Jesse's a girl name" will no longer be an issue!
I have NEVER regretted my decision to name my baby boy Jesse...ever! (in fact I grow to love it more and more everyday!)
I think of Jessie in toy story 2 which is a girl. Also many times you have to look at what people may shorten the name to. Jess?
When hearing the name I think girl, seeing it written I think boy. good luck. we have7 kids, and the more kids we had the harder it was to pick. Our youngest was in the NICU for a couple days before we had his named picked out. Whatever name you pick will be the right one for that baby. and he will be blessed to be in your family.
My friend and I are both here reading your blog, and we both think boy. We even have a girl cousin named Jessie, but think that it's cute for her because it's more of a boy name.
We both also really think for a grown man that Jesse is really masculine.
I have only known girl Jesses, so I think of girls.
I have to admit, I wouldn't know if it was a boy or girl. I sent a "girl" gift one time to one of my husband's friends after we received a Christmas card from them. There was a picture of the baby attached, but I couldn't tell since the baby was wearing a santa suit. I was so embarassed years later when I found out I was wrong. I thought Jesse (spelled that way) was a girl.
Boy.. It is a great name for a boy! I had very common names for my children til the last, a boy. 2 girls, Rebecca and Bridget. 1 boy named Daniel then...I went a little crazy and named the last (a boy) TEGAN. Tegan is 21 one now...love his name, loves that it is different...your Jesse would feel that way too! I loved that it was unique and everyone always remembered his name!! Such an exciting time for you and your family. What names to the girls like?? Bet they have some great ideas too!!
I think Boy! Like Jesse James.
boys name...don't you remember "Oh I wish that I had Jesse's girl?"
Hi there, I have a boy cousin named Jesse. But I think it is both boy and girl. My husband said either or also. I had 4 boys and then a girl. I tended to like boy names for girls until I had 4 and then I wanted a girly name for sure for my only girl so we named her Ava no chance she could be a boy with that name. If I heard Jesse I would not know boy or girl for certain. Good Luck! P.S. I have a name blog. it is www.babynamegame.blogspot.com if you would like to see my crazy name picks!
When I see Jesse I think boy. If it was Jessie I would say girl.
Stephane:
I name my son Jesse 25 years ago -and I just told my husband the other day, "I love the name Jesse". There is something about that name that brings out so much emotion in me - but only when refering to a boy. Jesse is a strong name, a soft name, a tender name, a righteous name - there is just something special to me about that name. For some reason I knew the name you were refering to was Jesse even before I finished reading your post.
I've never had any confusion with the boy girl while Jesse was growing up. I actually never even thought about that as presenting a problem.
Good luck with choosing. Picking names is fun. Whatever you choose I'm sure it will fit your little one.
robin
Jesse is a boys name. A girl whose name is Jessica will go by Jessie. There is a distinct difference. I love the name Jesse. A nice, strong biblical name.
I am also pregnant and having this same dilema where I think it may sound girl and others boy..it's good you are having people vote. I think as long as you dress HIM in BLUE there will be no question whether it is a boy or a girl.
Consensus from our House:
Boy - 1 Vote (teenage daughter)
Girl - 2 Votes (teenage son/ husband)
Neutral - 1 Vote (Wife)
I love the name for a boy btw! I think it is a VERY cute boy name!
I am an Elementary School teacher, and every year before school starts I get my class list. Without fail each year there are always 1 or 2 names on the list that I'm not sure if they are male or female. If I had Jesse on my list I have to be honest in saying I wouldn't be 100% sure. Due to the way it was spelled, I'd guess it was a boy though. I think in hearing the name my first thought would be boy as well! It's funny how your first thoughts go to TV characters like "Jesse" on Full House (like Cailean said) and Jessie on Saved By the Bell! Both awesome shows! But either way I think if you like Jesse you should go for it!
P.S.
My Husband said girl when I just said the name, but said boy when he saw the name written. Hope that helps!
In response to Jonathan:
My great grandfather, Jesse Waite's wife's name was Martha Lucina (Bowman). I believe his father was named Jess(ie)as well. My roots are in Bunkerville and Mesquite NV.
I would love to know if we are related:).
Jesse is neutral! I would go with boy names like Abram, Jude, Owen, and Miles! Just my 2 cents!
Jesse is a boys name for sure. If there's any mistaking going on it would be if it's a girl people would assume it's a boy. that's my .02! good luck
Jesse...definitely boy.
Jessie...girl...short for Jessica.
Emily,
Jesse LeRoy Waite is the son of my great grandfather Jesse Waite, who was married to Medora Leavitt. My grandfather was William Noble Waite. So we are distant cousins (?). Not sure the correct terminology. And for an added connection -- Jesse LeRoy had a son, Vern Waite. Vern married my brother-in-law's mother Alice after her divorce to my bro-in-law's biological father. Vern's a great guy -- and incidentally my dad's 1st cousin. Gotta love us native Nevadans. Oh, and just to make things even more crazy -- my mother-in-law is a Bunker (no blood relation that we could find through the So. Nevada genealogy-phew!).
Jesse spelled that way is definately a boy. My niece is Jessie.
Absolutely BOY!
I think of a girl because we have a Jessica and we call her Jessie. It does go both was though. Good Luck in choosing a name. It is a hard decision.
It's pretty gender neutral for me. I love your blog!
I love that name...for either a boy or a girl! If I see it spelled as "Jesse," I think boy. If I see it spelled, "Jessie," I think girl. Hope that helps. But either way, I love that name!
My son's name is Jess. No e or ie. No one has ever questioned the gender, either from hearing or seeing it.
My husband's name is Jesse, so I think of a boy and I love that name. It was a boys name long before it was a girls name. Jesse spelled that way is definitely a boy.
My mom always said she could never name her babies until she saw them-one of my brothers was planned to be named Gordon, but after she saw him, she decided he didn't "look" like a Gordon, so they named him Kenneth Lynn instead!
I think girl, my significant other thinks boy.
I think girl, my 16 yr son first said girl then said boy, 11 yr old son said girl. Good luck.
My grandfather's name and a good girl friend in high school. It's very gender neutral for me.
Boy!
girl.
First thought was girl. I've known both though.
Jesse SEEING it makes both of us think boy.....hearing it--not sure. This coming from people who named a son Bayley (ha-ha).
Girl...ya, there's that Jesse guy from the bachelorette, but to me it's a girly name...but it's still a good name! :)
If I heard it I would lean towards boy, but not be sure. I have an uncle and a (boy) cousin named Jesse, but I also have a sister Jessie (Jessica).
seeing the spelling: Jesse = boy to me though.
Good luck!
Jenny just named her baby jesse. i never thought of it as a girl name. i have never known a girl named jessie...only jessica.
mark thought of uncle jesse from the dukes of hazard. he never thought of it as a girl name either and has never known a girl jessie.
Written - Boy
Said - GIRL, most definately
I love to read your blog, and this is the first time for me to comment, I think the name is good for either a boy or girl, I think of Jesse James and so that is more boy to me. Buy the way I love your cupcake place mats, where did you get them? and I have also been waiting to see if you print any recipes from the cookie exchange you went to...Thanks
Anon,
Thanks for the comment! To answer your questions: The placemats I got at Target last year about this time. I bought 4 of them (one for each girl) at 1.99 and didn't get more because I wasn't in the mood to spend lots of money on placemats. I got home and for about 3 days was regretting not getting more.
I called every Target in town and they were all sold out. So I found someone selling 5 on Ebay at like $3 or 4 a pop. At that point I knew I wanted them so I got them. They are the best ever. Easy to wash, totally cute. I love them.
As for the cookie recipes, I would share except only 4 people came and none of them brought recipes. Sorry!
I have been a lurker for a long time, but have never commented. For some reason I can't stop myself today :) I am voting Girl....and I live on Jesse CT. I think hispanic when I think boy Jesse. Not that that is a bad thing, but......you are not hispanic. And I know girl Jessie is cute and the ie is more feminine. But since you asked our opinion.....BTW...I really admire you and your strength, courage and honesty. You make me want to be a better person and mom.
When I see it I think boy but you're right, I hear girl....because I have a niece that goes by Jessi.
We had the hardest time picking out our last boy's name. I really wanted it to mean something and be special. It was a very difficult decision! Good luck.
When I see it spelled like that I think boy! But just hearing the name makes me think girl! :)
My first thought was girl, my sister is Jessica, and thats what we call her.... but Ive know boy Jessies too, and Ive always thought that is so cute for a boy. Boy Jessies are always cute for some reason! lol Oh and we cant forget about Uncle Jesse from Full House! haha :) Good luck!
I just looked up a student today named Jesse and I assumed he was a boy...that said, I saw the name written. I think that when I hear it, I wonder if it's a boy or girl.
Written as Jesse I know it's a boy, Jessie with an i is a girl. I know a boy in our stake named Jesse and as far as I know hasn't had any problems with the name. Good luck with the name. My husband and I have yet to be able to name a child before the actual birth....maybe someday.
I definitely think boy...One of my best friends is named Jesse and he is a HUGE guy. He plays football for the Arena Football League. I've only known one girl named Jessie and as you can see it is spelled differently. I've know several guys name Jesse.
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