Daily AncestorTess
Tess is an old nickname for Theresa, found in American records of the 1700s and 1800s.
Tess is a short form of Theresa, also spelled Teresa. Nickname lists compiled for 18th and 19th century American research also pair Tess with Theresa.
A gravestone or a family Bible may say Tess while a will or a deed says Theresa. Search indexes under both forms so you do not miss her.
As seen in a record1880 census; her 1866 marriage license gives Theresa
Tess Hollingshead, Wife, 34, Keeping house
How to cite this page
Daily Ancestor. "Tess." Dictionary of Old Record Words. https://dailyancestor.com/dictionary/nicknames/tess. Last checked 2026-10-15.