Spouse of Tulkas and one of the Valier (S/29). Her name was most likely an adaptation of her Valarin title (WJ/404), though some interpreted it as a development from ancient ✶Neresā meaning “she that has manlike valour or strength” (WJ/416).
Conceptual Development: Her name ᴱQ. Nessa had already appeared in the earliest Lost Tales (LT1/75), though its derivation and meaning at this early stage is unclear. In The Etymologies, the name ᴹQ. Nessa appeared as a derivative of the root ᴹ√NETH “young” (Ety/NETH). The derivation above did not appeared until the Quendi and Eldar essay from 1959-60.
nessa adj. "young" (NETH), alsoNessa as name of a Valië, the spouse of Tulkas (adopted and adapted from Valarin, or an archaic Elvish formation: WJ:404 vs. 416). Also called Indis, "bride" (NETH, NI1). The fem. name Nessanië (UT:210) would seem to incorporate Nessa's name; the second element could mean "tear" (nië), but since Nessa is not normally associated with sorrow, this #nië is perhaps rather a variant of ní "female" (compare Tintanië as a variant of Tintallë).