Esmeralda

“Emerald”

Spanish origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#342US 2023

907Births / yr

↑Rising

47.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 191100.14% of births at peak

How to pronounce Esmeralda

ESM·ER·AH·lduh

/ˈɛsm.ˈɛr.ˈɑ.ldə/ · stress on ESM · 4 syllables

“Emerald”

Spanish origin · Unisex name

What does Esmeralda mean and where does it come from?

Esmeralda is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the Spanish word for 'emerald'. It became notably popular due to Victor Hugo's novel 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame', where Esmeralda is a key character. The name evokes images of beauty and preciousness, and it has been used in various cultu

Cultural significance

Esmeralda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of emerald.

Peak popularity

Reached #133 in 1998 — currently #342 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Esmeralda?

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

Esmeralda Grace

How popular is Esmeralda right now?

Rising — up 29 spots — currently #342 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#342 · Top 0.25%

1965

1970

1975

1980

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1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#342	907	▲ up 29 · +6% births
2022	#371	853	▲ up 79 · +23% births
2021	#450	695	▼ down 55 · -11% births
2020	#395	779	▼ down 25 · -12% births
2015	#370	882	▼ down 87 · -24% births
2010	#283	1,166	▼ down 69 · -28% births
2005	#214	1,618	▼ down 19 · -1% births
2000	#195	1,641	▲ up 205 · +150% births
1995	#400	656	▲ up 25 · +9% births
1990	#425	600	▲ up 63 · +44% births
1985	#488	418	▼ down 67 · -19% births
1980	#421	518	▲ up 27 · +18% births
1975	#448	440	▲ up 256 · +99% births
1970	#704	221	▲ up 86 · +42% births
1965	#790	156	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Esmeralda

Best Year2000Rank #195

Peak Count1,641

Average Rank#1040

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1920 - 202324 years

The story of Esmeralda

Esmeralda entered American naming records in 1911 and has been in use for over 113 years. A total of 47,543 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4180 in 1920 to #342 in 2023. Esmeralda is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Esmeralda in 1998:

Emily Hannah Samantha Sarah Ashley

Esmeralda by decade

Esmeralda peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	28
1920s	97
1930s	112
1940s	336
1950s	1,093
1960s	1,615
1970s	3,924
1980s	4,845
1990s	10,355
2000s ★	15,498
2010s	8,861
2020s	779

What are good nicknames for Esmeralda?

Common

EsmAlda

Famous people named Esmeralda

Esmeralda (Latin American historical figure)

Esmeralda used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.

Esmeralda (Spanish conquistador or explorer)

Esmeralda bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.

Esmeralda (Spanish royal)

Esmeralda held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.

Esmeralda (Spanish conquistador or explorer)

Esmeralda bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.

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What names sound and feel like Esmeralda?

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

How is Esmeralda written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Esmeralda

What does the name Esmeralda mean?

Esmeralda means "Emerald" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Esmeralda?

Esmeralda is currently ranked #342 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Esmeralda have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Esmeralda?

Esmeralda originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Esmeralda?

Esmeralda is a four-syllable name pronounced EH1 S M EH1 R AA1 L D AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Esmeralda?

Esmeralda pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.