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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Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Esme Rose
Floral · soft ending
Esme Claire
French influence · crisp
Esme Jane
Literary · strong
Esme Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Esme right now?
Declining — down 22 spots — currently #325 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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
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Esme (French impressionist artist)
Esme used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.
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Esme (medieval French noble)
Esme held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.
E(
Esme (French author)
Esme immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
E(
Esme (French monarch)
Esme bore this name in the French royal court, spreading its aristocratic prestige across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Esme?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Esme also consider these
How is Esme written in other languages?
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.