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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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Esther?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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
Most popular combo · classic
Esther Rose
Floral · soft ending
Esther Mae
Sweet · timeless
Esther Claire
French influence · crisp
Esther Jane
Literary · strong
Esther Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Esther right now?
Holding steady — currently #138 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
Famous people named Esther
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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 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Esther?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Esther also consider these
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.