Esther

“star”

Hebrew origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#138US 2023

2kBirths / yr

→Stable

261.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 1880🏆 54 years in top 1000.83% of births at peak

How to pronounce Esther

EST·er

/ˈɛst.ɝ/ · stress on EST · 2 syllables

“star”

Hebrew origin · Unisex name

What does Esther mean and where does it come from?

Esther (אֶסְתֵּר) has its origins in Hebrew and Persian. The Hebrew meaning of the name relates to the word for star, which signifies brilliance and warmth. It is prominent in Jewish culture due to the Book of Esther in the Bible, which tells the story of a Jewish queen who saved her people. The nam

Cultural significance

Esther has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of star.

Peak popularity

Reached #28 in 1896 — currently #138 in the US.

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How else can you spell Esther?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Ester

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Esther?

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

Esther Grace

How popular is Esther right now?

Holding steady — currently #138 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#138 · Top 0.10%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#138	2,026	stable · -3% births
2022	#138	2,086	▲ up 15 · +13% births
2021	#153	1,845	stable · +3% births
2020	#153	1,787	▲ up 50 · +10% births
2015	#203	1,620	▲ up 57 · +29% births
2010	#260	1,255	▲ up 19 · +6% births
2005	#279	1,189	▲ up 46 · +22% births
2000	#325	974	▼ down 25 · +6% births
1995	#300	923	▼ down 17 · -6% births
1990	#283	981	▲ up 5 · +14% births
1985	#288	858	▲ up 7 · +2% births
1980	#295	841	▲ up 25 · +18% births
1975	#320	715	▲ up 28 · -2% births
1970	#348	726	▼ down 68 · -25% births
1965	#280	965	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Esther

Best Year1915Rank #33

Peak Count6,321

Average Rank#181

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Esther

Esther has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #28 in 1896. More than 261,442 babies have been named Esther since 1880. Esther is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Esther in 1896:

Mary Anna Helen Margaret Ruth

Esther by decade

Esther peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	3,476
1890s	14,796
1900s	20,097
1910s	49,367
1920s ★	49,421
1930s	25,986
1940s	17,729
1950s	15,802
1960s	10,132
1970s	7,304
1980s	8,881
1990s	9,419
2000s	11,381
2010s	15,859
2020s	1,792

What are good nicknames for Esther?

ENGLISH

EssieEstaHettie

FINNISH

Essi

HUNGARIAN

Eszti

JEWISH

Estee

Famous people named Esther

Esther (historical figure)

Esther bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Esther?

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

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Esthel

English · Hebrew

Esters

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Estref

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

How is Esther written in other languages?

אֶסְתֵר

Hebrew), Εσθηρ (Ancient Greek

Common questions about the name Esther

What does the name Esther mean?

Esther means "star" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Esther?

Esther is currently ranked #138 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Esther have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Esther?

Esther originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Esther?

Esther is a two-syllable name pronounced EH1 S T ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Esther trending right now?

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