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.
What does Esther mean?
Esther is usually linked to the Persian stara, “star,” and possibly to the goddess Ishtar. Queen Esther has her own book in the Hebrew Bible.
Nicknames for Esther
Variants & spellings
- Ester
- Hester
Names like Esther
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Esther mean?
Esther means Star. Esther is usually linked to the Persian stara, “star,” and possibly to the goddess Ishtar. Queen Esther has her own book in the Hebrew Bible.
What is the origin of the name Esther?
Esther is of Persian origin.
How do you pronounce Esther?
Esther is pronounced “ESS-ter.”
Is Esther a boy or a girl name?
Esther is most commonly used as a girl name.
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, Ettie.