Esma Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: EZ-ma /ˈɛz.mə/
Origin: Arabic; Turkish
Meaning: Arabic: 'precious'; Turkish: 'beloved'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Esma has its roots in various linguistic traditions, primarily deriving from the Arabic name 'Isma', which means 'protection' or 'safeguard'. This name has been adopted in different cultures, often taking on variations such as 'Esmae' or 'Esme'.
The transition into English can be traced through the influence of Arabic on other languages, particularly during the Middle Ages when Arabic scholarship and culture permeated Europe, especially through Spain and Sicily. The name's adoption into English-speaking contexts reflects this historical interplay of cultures.
Historically, the name Esma has connections to notable figures and cultural milestones. In the Islamic tradition, the name is sometimes associated with Esma bint Umays, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, who lived in the 7th century.
This connection lends the name a degree of historical significance within Islamic history. Additionally, the name has been used in various literary works and translations, contributing to its resonance across different cultures.
The spread of the name can also be linked to the broader movement of names and ideas during the Renaissance, when classical and Arabic influences were re-evaluated and integrated into European thought. Culturally, Esma carries connotations of protection and safety, which may have contributed to its endurance in various societies.
The name is often associated with qualities of strength and nurturing, reflecting the protective meaning inherent in its etymology. In some cultures, diminutive forms such as 'Esme' have emerged, further enriching the name's legacy.
Overall, Esma's journey through linguistic and cultural landscapes illustrates the interconnectedness of names and their meanings across time and space.
Famous people named Esma
In this section, you will find notable people named Esma. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Esma who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Esma who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Esma Redžepova is a singer and humanitarian best known for her work in Romani music and her advocacy for Romani rights.
Esma Almas is a notable figure in the field of mathematics, recognized for her contributions to algebraic geometry.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Esma, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Esma. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Esma was first seen in the United States in 1890.
Esma has ranked as high as #6596 nationally, which occurred in 2019, and has been most popular in New York, Louisiana, Missouri, Georgia, and New Jersey.
In the past 5 years the name Esma has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Esma is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Esma was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Esma.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 24 | 24 |
| 2024 | 37 | 37 |
| 2023 | 31 | 31 |
| 2022 | 34 | 34 |
| 2021 | 24 | 24 |
| 2020 | 25 | 25 |
| 2019 | 39 | 39 |
| 2018 | 22 | 22 |
| 2017 | 17 | 17 |
| 2016 | 35 | 35 |
| 2015 | 32 | 32 |
| 2014 | 28 | 28 |
| 2013 | 19 | 19 |
| 2012 | 16 | 16 |
| 2011 | 14 | 14 |
| 2010 | 15 | 15 |
| 2009 | 12 | 12 |
| 2008 | 8 | 8 |
| 2007 | 12 | 12 |
| 2006 | 13 | 13 |
| 2005 | 10 | 10 |
| 2004 | 17 | 17 |
| 2002 | 7 | 7 |
| 2001 | 5 | 5 |
| 2000 | 9 | 9 |
| 1999 | 6 | 6 |
| 1995 | 6 | 6 |
| 1993 | 6 | 6 |
| 1973 | 6 | 6 |
| 1941 | 7 | 7 |
| 1939 | 7 | 7 |
| 1935 | 7 | 7 |
| 1934 | 7 | 7 |
| 1933 | 5 | 5 |
| 1930 | 7 | 7 |
| 1929 | 8 | 8 |
| 1928 | 11 | 11 |
| 1927 | 7 | 7 |
| 1926 | 8 | 8 |
| 1925 | 20 | 20 |
| 1924 | 14 | 14 |
| 1923 | 14 | 14 |
| 1922 | 18 | 18 |
| 1921 | 14 | 14 |
| 1920 | 17 | 17 |
| 1919 | 14 | 14 |
| 1918 | 12 | 12 |
| 1917 | 18 | 18 |
| 1916 | 19 | 19 |
| 1915 | 8 | 8 |
| 1914 | 13 | 13 |
| 1913 | 12 | 12 |
| 1912 | 12 | 12 |
| 1911 | 5 | 5 |
| 1910 | 9 | 9 |
| 1909 | 7 | 7 |
| 1908 | 10 | 10 |
| 1906 | 8 | 8 |
| 1905 | 6 | 6 |
| 1902 | 11 | 11 |
| 1901 | 8 | 8 |
| 1900 | 9 | 9 |
| 1899 | 7 | 7 |
| 1898 | 8 | 8 |
| 1896 | 6 | 6 |
| 1892 | 5 | 5 |
| 1890 | 8 | 8 |
Top States for Esma (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| GA | 5 |