Esme

“esteemed, beloved”

French origin · Unisex name

♂ 50% boys♀ 50% girls

#325US 2023

950Births / yr

↓Falling

6.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 191300.05% of births at peak

How to pronounce Esme

EZM·AY

/ˈɛzm.ˈeɪ/ · stress on EZM · 2 syllables

“esteemed, beloved”

French origin · Unisex name

What does Esme mean and where does it come from?

Esme originates from the Old French name Esmée, which means 'esteemed' or 'beloved'. In the English-speaking world, it gained popularity in the modern era due to literary works and pop culture references, including J.D. Salinger's character Esme in 'For Esmé—with Love and Squalor'. The name is seein

Cultural significance

Esme has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of esteemed, beloved.

Peak popularity

Reached #399 in 2020 — currently #325 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Esme?

Esme works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Esme Grace

How popular is Esme right now?

Declining — down 22 spots — currently #325 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#325 · Top 0.24%

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#325	950	▼ down 22 · -10% births
2022	#303	1,052	▲ up 74 · +27% births
2021	#377	826	▲ up 22 · +7% births
2020	#399	775	▲ up 280 · +85% births
2015	#679	419	▲ up 245 · +50% births
2010	#924	280	▲ up 1605 · +312% births
2005	#2529	68	▲ up 1148 · +94% births
2000	#3677	35	▲ up 1572 · +94% births
1995	#5249	18	▲ up 5058 · +157% births
1990	#10307	7	▲ up 548 · +40% births
1985	#10855	5	▼ down 264
1980	#10591	5	▼ down 2452 · -17% births
1975	#8139	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Esme

Best Year2022Rank #303

Peak Count1,052

Average Rank#4181

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1975 - 202313 years

The story of Esme

Esme entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 6,110 total births recorded, Esme remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8139 in 1975 to #325 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Esme in 2020:

Olivia Emma Ava Charlotte Sophia

Esme by decade

Esme peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	5
1930s	5
1950s	5
1960s	5
1970s	17
1980s	74
1990s	189
2000s	965
2010s ★	4,070
2020s	775

💎With 6,110 total births, Esme is an uncommon but established name.

Famous people named Esme

Esme (French impressionist artist)

Esme used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.

Esme (medieval French noble)

Esme held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.

Esme (French author)

Esme immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.

Esme (French monarch)

Esme bore this name in the French royal court, spreading its aristocratic prestige across Europe.

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Celebrity Names

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What names sound and feel like Esme?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Esme also consider these

Swahili-speaking countries · life

Erme

German · A German name

Edme

English · A English name

Ehme

International · A International name

How is Esme written in other languages?

Gender variants of Esme

Esmée DUTCH Esmée ENGLISH Esmé DUTCH

Common questions about the name Esme

What does the name Esme mean?

Esme means "esteemed, beloved" — a name rooted in French tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Esme?

Esme is currently ranked #325 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Esme have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Esme?

Esme originates from French tradition. French names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Esme?

Esme is a two-syllable name pronounced EH1 Z M EY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Esme trending right now?

Esme is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.