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Hester Unisex

Popularity: · Trend: → Stable

Origin(s)

PronunciationHES-ter / /ˈhɛstər/

Greek; Hebrew

Meaning

Greek: star; Hebrew: myrtle

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Hester has its roots in the ancient Persian word "setareh," meaning "star." This term was adopted into Greek as "Aster," which also translates to "star." The name further evolved through Latin as "Hester," and eventually made its way into Old French before being introduced into English. The transition into English occurred around the 16th century, where it became associated with the biblical figure Esther, a prominent character in the Hebrew Bible who is celebrated for her bravery and intelligence in saving her people from persecution.

Hester's historical significance is closely tied to the biblical Esther, who is the subject of the Book of Esther, a text that has been influential in Jewish tradition and is read during the festival of Purim. The name gained prominence in English literature, particularly during the Renaissance, when biblical names were favored. Notably, Hester Prynne is a central character in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter," published in 1850, which further cemented the name's place in literary history.

Culturally, Hester has been associated with themes of strength, resilience, and moral integrity, largely due to the character of Esther in the Bible. The name has also been linked to the idea of a guiding light or hope, akin to its etymological meaning of "star." Additionally, diminutive forms such as Hettie have emerged, reflecting a softer, affectionate variant of the name. Overall, Hester embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution and cultural significance, rooted in ancient traditions and enduring narratives.

Trend Summary

Hester has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., with a notable resurgence in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Hesther
  • Hestia

International Variants

  • Esther (Hebrew)
  • Hestia (Greek)

Famous people named Hester

Hester Prynne is a fictional character best known for The Scarlet Letter.

Hester Thrale is a writer and literary figure best known for her association with Samuel Johnson and her work Anecdotes of the Late Samuel Johnson.

Hester Street is a film best known for its portrayal of Jewish immigrant life in New York City.

Fictional characters named Hester

Hester Prynne is a fictional character from the novel The Scarlet Letter. She is a woman shunned by her Puritan community after bearing an illegitimate child and is forced to wear a scarlet letter 'A' as a symbol of her sin.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Hester was first seen in the United States in 1880. Hester has ranked as high as #531 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, and West Virginia. In the past 5 years the name Hester has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Hester (1987)

StateBirthsShare
CA 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188049
188155
188263
188372
188485
188585
188676
188789
1888113
1889109
1890119
1891102
1892122
1893155
1894143
1895164
1896150
1897140
1898158
1899148
1900183
1901160
1902164
1903147
1904169
1905160
1906158
1907159
1908184
1909179
1910212
1911201
1912265
1913275
1914309
1915359
1916378
1917358
1918394
1919360
1920362
1921337
1922340
1923382
1924317
1925325
1926274
1927262
1928218
1929220
1930214
1931184
1932153
1933157
1934160
1935134
1936148
1937120
1938136
1939117
1940132
1941117
1942120
1943132
1944123
1945100
194687
1947112
194891
1949101
1950101
195172
195281
195392
195486
195580
195664
195761
195858
195959
196047
196147
196239
196346
196442
196519
196627
196727
196829
196925
197032
197130
197219
197329
197427
197521
197621
197717
197814
197929
198016
198125
198225
198314
198411
198514
198613
198718
19888
198910
199010
19918
199313
19947
19966
19985
20005
20045
20095
20105
20197
20235