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Home › Baby Names Directory › Esma

Esma

♀ Girl

Pronounced ESS-mah /ˈɛs.mɑ/High

Meaning: Turkish form linked to Arabic asma, 'lofty, exalted; names' — also tied to Esme, 'esteemed'; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Lofty and esteemed: Esma is the Turkish jewel-name tied to Arabic 'exalted' and to Esme, 'beloved/esteemed'. Ottoman-elegant, gem-bright.
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Origin MediumTurkish, Arabic
MeaningTurkish form linked to Arabic asma, 'lofty, exalted; names' — also tied to Esme, 'esteemed'; routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#5293 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births24 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2019
Total births (all-time)≈ 915

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201918902025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Esma is a Turkish name connected to Arabic asma, 'lofty, exalted' (and the plural 'names'), and overlapping the French-rooted Esme, 'esteemed' (routes layered, which we note). Ottoman royalty wore it.

In the U.S. it appears in Turkish and Balkan families. Rare, exalted at the root, and regal.

Did you know? Several Ottoman princesses bore the name Esma Sultan — making this short name quietly imperial across Turkish history.
Overall data confidence 65%
Behind the Name — Esma — routes layered

Variations

EsmeAsmaEsmah

Nicknames

Es

Famous Bearers

  • ★Esma Redzepova (1943-2016)
    Macedonian Roma singer known as the Queen of Romani Music, celebrated across Eastern Europe

If you like Esma…

Esme— the 'esteemed' sister name
Asma— the Arabic root-form
Esmeray— a fellow Turkish Esm- name
Selma— a companion Turkish two-beat

Explore names like Esma

By themeuncertainarabicturkishroyal

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Esma mean?

Esma links to Arabic asma, 'lofty, exalted', and to Esme, 'esteemed'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Esma?

It's said ESS-mah /ˈɛs.mɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Esma a boy or girl name?

Esma is a girl's name.

How popular is Esma?

Esma is a rare name in the U.S.

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