Esther
Esther first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1918, when 6,574 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 2,277.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Esther popular?
Rising Esther has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.
| 2020s | 12,290 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 15,935 | |
| 2000s | 11,488 | |
| 1990s | 9,415 | |
| 1980s | 8,819 | |
| 1970s | 7,299 | |
| 1960s | 10,111 | |
| 1950s | 15,766 | |
| 1940s | 17,639 | |
| 1930s | 25,791 | |
| 1920s | 49,230 | |
| 1910s | 49,212 | |
| 1900s | 20,026 | |
| 1890s | 14,737 | |
| 1880s | 3,476 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Esther mean?
Widely glossed as 'star', most often derived from Old Persian 'stara' (compare modern Persian 'setareh', and Greek 'aster'). The exact root is debated: some scholars instead link it to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar (associated with Venus), and a Hebrew folk etymology ties it to the root s-t-r ('to hide'). Included with that caveat.
Nicknames for Esther
- Essie
- Etty
- Hettie
Variants & spellings
- Ester
- Estée
Names like Esther
persian names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Esther
Popular persian names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Esther
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Esther mean?
Esther means Star (disputed). Widely glossed as 'star', most often derived from Old Persian 'stara' (compare modern Persian 'setareh', and Greek 'aster'). The exact root is debated: some scholars instead link it to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar (associated with Venus), and a Hebrew folk etymology ties it to the root s-t-r ('to hide'). Included with that caveat.
What is the origin of the name Esther?
Esther is of persian origin.
How do you pronounce Esther?
Esther is pronounced “ES-ter.”
Is Esther a boy or a girl name?
Esther is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Esther a popular name right now?
Esther has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.
How popular is the name Esther?
In 2025, Esther ranked #119 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Esther most popular?
Esther was most popular in 1918, when about 6,574 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Esther?
Common nicknames for Esther include Essie, Etty, Hettie.
What names are similar to Esther?
Names similar to Esther include Stella, Ruth, Naomi, Miriam.
What names go well with Esther?
persian names that pair well with Esther include Jasmine, Jasper, Darius, Cyrus, Yasmin.