What does Esra mean and where does it come from?
The name Esra is of Arabic and Turkish origin, commonly found in both cultures. In Turkish, Esra can refer to 'a late night journey' which is a poetic interpretation. The name is especially noted in the Muslim community, as Esra was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. It is a relatively modern name
Cultural significance
Esra has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Turkey-speaking communities, where it reflects values of سرى (sara) means to travel at night.
Peak popularity
Reached #4563 in 2020 — currently #3928 in the US.
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Related Reading
Turkey-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Esra?
Esra works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Esra Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Esra Rose
Floral · soft ending
Esra Claire
French influence · crisp
Esra Jane
Literary · strong
Esra Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Esra right now?
Rising fast — up 215 spots — currently #3928 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3928 | 38 | ▲ up 215 · +9% births |
| 2022 | #4143 | 35 | ▼ down 686 · -22% births |
| 2021 | #3457 | 45 | ▲ up 1106 · +55% births |
| 2020 | #4563 | 29 | ▲ up 3611 · +107% births |
| 2015 | #8174 | 14 | ▲ up 751 · +8% births |
| 2010 | #8925 | 13 | ▲ up 4641 · +86% births |
| 2005 | #13566 | 7 | ▼ down 4996 · -30% births |
| 1995 | #8570 | 10 | ▲ up 2491 · +43% births |
| 1990 | #11061 | 7 | — |
The story of Esra
Esra is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1983. With 416 total births recorded, Esra remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11061 in 1990 to #3928 in 2023. Esra is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Esra in 2020:
Esra by decade
Esra peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 30 | |
| 1990s | 81 | |
| 2000s | 92 | |
| 2010s ★ | 179 | |
| 2020s | 34 | |
💎Esra has only 416 total recorded births since 1983 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What names sound and feel like Esra?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Esra also consider these
Common questions about the name Esra
What does the name Esra mean?
Esra means "سرى (sara) means to travel at night" — a name rooted in Turkey 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 Esra?
Esra is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Esra have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Esra?
Esra originates from Turkey tradition. Turkey 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 Esra?
Esra is a two-syllable name pronounced EH1 S R AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Esra trending right now?
Esra is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.