Hester Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationHES-ter / /ˈhɛstər/Hebrew; English
Meaning
Hebrew: Star; English: Keeper of the hearth
Historical & Cultural Background
Hester is derived from the Hebrew name Esther, which means 'star.' The name has been used in English-speaking countries since the 16th century. It gained popularity through literary works, notably in Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter,' where Hester Prynne is a central character. The name has historically been associated with strength and resilience.
Trend Summary
The name Hester has seen a decline in popularity in the United States, with few recent registrations.
Similar Names
Variants
- Hesther
International Variants
- Esther (Hebrew)
- Hester (Dutch)
- Hesther (English)
Famous people named Hester
—
Fictional characters named Hester
Hester Prynne from 'The Scarlet Letter' is a key figure representing societal judgment and personal strength.
Hester Shaw from 'Mortal Engines' is a protagonist known for her resourcefulness and determination.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Hester was first seen in the United States in 1893. Hester has ranked as high as #816 nationally, which occurred in 1916, and has been most popular in Kentucky, and North Carolina. 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 (1932)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NC | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1893 | 5 |
| 1898 | 5 |
| 1899 | 5 |
| 1900 | 9 |
| 1901 | 6 |
| 1904 | 6 |
| 1907 | 5 |
| 1908 | 6 |
| 1909 | 5 |
| 1910 | 9 |
| 1911 | 7 |
| 1912 | 8 |
| 1913 | 16 |
| 1914 | 9 |
| 1915 | 21 |
| 1916 | 24 |
| 1917 | 12 |
| 1918 | 13 |
| 1919 | 19 |
| 1920 | 18 |
| 1921 | 18 |
| 1922 | 12 |
| 1923 | 16 |
| 1924 | 13 |
| 1925 | 21 |
| 1926 | 13 |
| 1927 | 10 |
| 1928 | 7 |
| 1929 | 15 |
| 1930 | 12 |
| 1931 | 14 |
| 1932 | 14 |
| 1933 | 13 |
| 1934 | 19 |
| 1935 | 5 |
| 1936 | 10 |
| 1937 | 7 |
| 1938 | 14 |
| 1940 | 13 |
| 1941 | 8 |
| 1943 | 8 |
| 1944 | 9 |
| 1945 | 7 |
| 1946 | 7 |
| 1947 | 6 |
| 1949 | 11 |
| 1950 | 5 |
| 1953 | 6 |
| 1954 | 5 |
| 1955 | 6 |
| 1970 | 5 |