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.
🌿
Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Esmeralda Rose
Floral · soft ending
Esmeralda Mae
Sweet · timeless
Esmeralda Claire
French influence · crisp
Esmeralda Jane
Literary · strong
Esmeralda Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Esmeralda right now?
Rising — up 29 spots — currently #342 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
Famous people named Esmeralda
E(
Esmeralda (Latin American historical figure)
Esmeralda used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
E(
Esmeralda (Spanish conquistador or explorer)
Esmeralda bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.
E(
Esmeralda (Spanish royal)
Esmeralda held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
E(
Esmeralda (Spanish conquistador or explorer)
Esmeralda bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →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.