Tess

Tess is a diminutive of Teresa, a name of uncertain origin — possibly from Greek therizo (to harvest) or from the island of Thera. It may also connect to Greek theros (summer). As a standalone name Tess carries the full weight of Thomas Hardy's novel Tess of the D'Urbervilles, lending it a literary dignity.

Tess is a name that feels both simple and literary at the same time. Hardy's Tess — resilient, genuine, deeply feeling — gave the name a gravity that two syllables don't usually carry. For pets it works elegantly as a name for female dogs and cats with a quiet strength and watchful intelligence. It's unpretentious in sound but rich in association, and it ages gracefully from a tiny kitten to a venerable senior cat without ever feeling wrong. Tess is the name of a pet who is simply, profoundly, irreplaceably yours.