Esme
Esme first appears in US records in 1913. It peaked in 2022, when 1,053 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 1,032.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Esme popular?
Near its peak Esme is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2022.
| 2020s | 5,559 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 4,092 | |
| 2000s | 968 | |
| 1990s | 189 | |
| 1980s | 75 | |
| 1970s | 17 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 5 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Esme mean?
From the Old French esme, past participle of esmer 'to esteem', giving 'esteemed' and by extension 'beloved'. The 'loved' sense is a plausible extension of 'esteemed' (and some tie esmer to aimer 'to love'), so treat the love connection as secondary rather than primary.
Names that pair well with Esme
Popular french names for a sibling or a middle name.
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Esme mean?
Esme means Esteemed, loved. From the Old French esme, past participle of esmer 'to esteem', giving 'esteemed' and by extension 'beloved'. The 'loved' sense is a plausible extension of 'esteemed' (and some tie esmer to aimer 'to love'), so treat the love connection as secondary rather than primary.
What is the origin of the name Esme?
Esme is of french origin.
How do you pronounce Esme?
Esme is pronounced “EZ-may.”
Is Esme a boy or a girl name?
Esme is most commonly used as a unisex name.
Is Esme a popular name right now?
Esme is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2022.
How popular is the name Esme?
In 2025, Esme ranked #298 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Esme most popular?
Esme was most popular in 2022, when about 1,053 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names go well with Esme?
french names that pair well with Esme include Amy, Paul, Charlotte, Louise, Roy.