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Esther Girl

Popularity: #130 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationES-ter / /ˈɛstər/

Hebrew; Persian

Meaning

Hebrew: star; Persian: myrtle leaf

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Esther has its roots in the ancient Persian language, derived from the word "stār," meaning "star." This etymology is further linked to the Hebrew name "Hadassah," which means "myrtle," a plant associated with peace and prosperity. The name Esther entered the English language through the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Esther, which was written in the 5th century BCE. The text recounts the story of a Jewish woman named Esther who becomes queen of Persia and plays a crucial role in saving her people from persecution. The name was adopted into Greek as "Esther" and subsequently into Latin, before making its way into Old French and then Middle English, where it became widely recognized by the 14th century.

Historically, Esther has been significant in Jewish culture, particularly through the celebration of Purim, a festival that commemorates the events described in the Book of Esther. This festival, which has been observed since at least the 5th century CE, highlights themes of bravery, identity, and divine providence. Esther's character is often viewed as a symbol of courage and resilience, embodying the struggle against oppression. The name has also been borne by various notable figures throughout history, including saints and queens, further embedding it within cultural narratives.

In addition to its biblical associations, the name Esther carries connotations of beauty and strength, often linked to the idea of a guiding light or star in times of darkness. The enduring nature of the name can be attributed to its rich historical and cultural significance, as well as its presence in various literary works and translations, including the King James Bible published in the early 17th century. The name has also inspired various diminutive forms, such as "Essie," which reflect its affectionate and familiar usage in different contexts.

Trend Summary

Esther has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Estelle
  • Essie

International Variants

  • Esther (English)
  • Ester (Spanish)
  • Hester (Dutch)
  • Estera (Polish)

Famous people named Esther

Esther Williams is an actress and swimmer best known for Million Dollar Mermaid, Bathing Beauty, and Neptune's Daughter.

Esther Perel is a psychotherapist best known for Mating in Captivity, The State of Affairs, and her TED Talks.

Esther Rantzen is a television presenter and journalist best known for That's Life!, Esther, and her work with ChildLine.

Esther Dyson is a technology entrepreneur and investor best known for her work in the internet industry and as a futurist.

Fictional characters named Esther

Esther is a fictional character from the film Orphan. She is a mysterious and sinister girl who poses as a child adopted by a couple after their own daughter goes missing.

Esther is a fictional character from the novel and film The Witch of Blackbird Pond. She is a young Puritan girl who befriends a Quaker woman and faces societal challenges in colonial America.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Esther was first seen in the United States in 1880. Esther has ranked as high as #66 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Ohio, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Esther has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Esther (2024)

StateBirthsShare
NY 405
19%
NJ 232
11%
CA 160
7%
TX 139
7%
FL 126
6%
PA 99
5%
OH 65
3%
IN 62
3%
GA 59
3%
TN 49
2%
IL 48
2%
MD 47
2%
WA 46
2%
MO 45
2%
MA 45
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880198
1881189
1882266
1883260
1884291
1885320
1886396
1887431
1888572
1889553
1890619
1891710
1892824
18931,382
18941,654
18951,803
18961,964
18971,911
18982,047
18991,823
19002,017
19011,844
19021,833
19031,883
19041,957
19051,993
19062,065
19072,062
19082,187
19092,185
19102,378
19112,676
19123,569
19134,090
19144,654
19156,321
19166,421
19176,281
19186,574
19196,248
19206,068
19215,926
19225,474
19235,315
19245,258
19254,726
19264,454
19274,327
19284,096
19293,586
19303,350
19313,034
19322,959
19332,676
19342,578
19352,543
19362,253
19372,156
19382,132
19392,110
19401,900
19411,810
19421,832
19431,758
19441,612
19451,467
19461,778
19471,842
19481,847
19491,793
19501,740
19511,808
19521,712
19531,613
19541,633
19551,569
19561,510
19571,480
19581,345
19591,356
19601,363
19611,316
19621,253
19631,122
19641,026
1965965
1966869
1967761
1968730
1969706
1970726
1971783
1972691
1973746
1974728
1975716
1976658
1977767
1978716
1979765
1980841
1981913
1982935
1983860
1984884
1985859
1986861
1987848
1988913
1989903
1990983
1991935
1992948
1993907
1994958
1995924
1996890
1997934
1998941
1999993
2000982
20011,071
20021,059
20031,099
20041,113
20051,202
20061,156
20071,261
20081,280
20091,253
20101,259
20111,355
20121,344
20131,440
20141,668
20151,624
20161,814
20171,836
20181,857
20191,731
20201,831
20211,845
20222,086
20232,026
20242,206