Hester Unisex
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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 49 |
1881 | 55 |
1882 | 63 |
1883 | 72 |
1884 | 85 |
1885 | 85 |
1886 | 76 |
1887 | 89 |
1888 | 113 |
1889 | 109 |
1890 | 119 |
1891 | 102 |
1892 | 122 |
1893 | 155 |
1894 | 143 |
1895 | 164 |
1896 | 150 |
1897 | 140 |
1898 | 158 |
1899 | 148 |
1900 | 183 |
1901 | 160 |
1902 | 164 |
1903 | 147 |
1904 | 169 |
1905 | 160 |
1906 | 158 |
1907 | 159 |
1908 | 184 |
1909 | 179 |
1910 | 212 |
1911 | 201 |
1912 | 265 |
1913 | 275 |
1914 | 309 |
1915 | 359 |
1916 | 378 |
1917 | 358 |
1918 | 394 |
1919 | 360 |
1920 | 362 |
1921 | 337 |
1922 | 340 |
1923 | 382 |
1924 | 317 |
1925 | 325 |
1926 | 274 |
1927 | 262 |
1928 | 218 |
1929 | 220 |
1930 | 214 |
1931 | 184 |
1932 | 153 |
1933 | 157 |
1934 | 160 |
1935 | 134 |
1936 | 148 |
1937 | 120 |
1938 | 136 |
1939 | 117 |
1940 | 132 |
1941 | 117 |
1942 | 120 |
1943 | 132 |
1944 | 123 |
1945 | 100 |
1946 | 87 |
1947 | 112 |
1948 | 91 |
1949 | 101 |
1950 | 101 |
1951 | 72 |
1952 | 81 |
1953 | 92 |
1954 | 86 |
1955 | 80 |
1956 | 64 |
1957 | 61 |
1958 | 58 |
1959 | 59 |
1960 | 47 |
1961 | 47 |
1962 | 39 |
1963 | 46 |
1964 | 42 |
1965 | 19 |
1966 | 27 |
1967 | 27 |
1968 | 29 |
1969 | 25 |
1970 | 32 |
1971 | 30 |
1972 | 19 |
1973 | 29 |
1974 | 27 |
1975 | 21 |
1976 | 21 |
1977 | 17 |
1978 | 14 |
1979 | 29 |
1980 | 16 |
1981 | 25 |
1982 | 25 |
1983 | 14 |
1984 | 11 |
1985 | 14 |
1986 | 13 |
1987 | 18 |
1988 | 8 |
1989 | 10 |
1990 | 10 |
1991 | 8 |
1993 | 13 |
1994 | 7 |
1996 | 6 |
1998 | 5 |
2000 | 5 |
2004 | 5 |
2009 | 5 |
2010 | 5 |
2019 | 7 |
2023 | 5 |