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Esther

♀ Girl

Pronounced ES-ter /ˈɛs.tər/High

Meaning: Possibly from Persian <em>stara</em> (star) or Hebrew <em>seter</em> (hidden); the meaning is disputedMedium

In 30 seconds: A name shrouded in beautiful mystery, Esther — the brave Jewish queen of the Hebrew Bible — may mean 'star' or 'hidden.' Timeless and literary, it has charmed its way back into the top 100 as a quietly powerful classic.
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Origin HighHebrew, Persian
MeaningPossibly from Persian <em>stara</em> (star) or Hebrew <em>seter</em> (hidden); the meaning is disputed
Peak year1918
Total births (all-time)≈ 255,082

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191818802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Esther is the name of a central figure of the Hebrew Bible: a Jewish woman who became queen of Persia and saved her people from persecution (Book of Esther). The name's origin is debated — it may come from the Persian stara (star), from the Babylonian goddess Ishtar, or from the Hebrew seter (hidden). No definitive etymology has been established.

Esther was popular among Puritans and early American settlers for its biblical authority. It remained in steady use through the 19th century, declined in the mid-20th, and has been strongly reviving since the 2010s as part of a wave of 'grandma chic' names. It entered the U.S. top 100 girls' names around 2020.

Did you know? The Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible is one of only two books (with Ruth) named after a woman. It is read aloud at Purim, the Jewish festival celebrating Esther's courage in saving her people.

Variations

EsteeEsterHester

Nicknames

EssieEttieEs

Famous Bearers

  • ★Esther (Hebrew Bible) (5th century BC (traditional))
    Jewish queen of Persia who saved her people; heroine of the Book of Esther.
  • ★Esther Williams (1921–2013)
    American competitive swimmer and Hollywood actress known for aquatic musicals.

If you like Esther…

Hazel— vintage revival classic with the same quiet elegance
Ruth— equally spare biblical name beloved in the current vintage wave

Frequently Asked

What does the name Esther mean?

Esther's origin is debated. It may come from the Persian word for 'star,' the Hebrew for 'hidden,' or possibly relate to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar.

How do you pronounce Esther?

Esther is pronounced ES-ter /ˈɛs.tər/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Esther a boy or girl name?

Esther is a feminine name with a long history in Jewish and Christian traditions.

How popular is Esther?

After decades of decline, Esther entered the U.S. top 100 girls' names around 2020 as part of the vintage-revival trend.