Esmee

♀ Girl

Pronounced EZ-may /ˈɛz.meɪ/High

Meaning: From French esmé, 'esteemed, beloved', past participle of esmer, 'to esteem/love'; a double-e spelling of EsméHigh

In 30 seconds: Esteemed, beloved — and effortlessly chic: Esmee is the double-e Esmé, the French word for one who is treasured. Salinger gave it literary romance; it now charms on both sides of the Atlantic.

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Origin HighFrench, Latin

MeaningFrom French esmé, 'esteemed, beloved', past participle of esmer, 'to esteem/love'; a double-e spelling of Esmé

U.S. rank (2025)#3305 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births47 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2019

Total births (all-time)≈ 859

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Esmee is a double-e spelling of Esmé — from Old French esmé, 'esteemed, beloved', past participle of esmer, 'to esteem'. Originally given to both sexes in Scotland (via French courtiers), it is now overwhelmingly female, beloved across France, the Netherlands, and Britain.

In the U.S. it is uncommon but rising, reading as chic and literary. Beloved at the root, soft, and continental.

Did you know? J.D. Salinger's story 'For Esmé — with Love and Squalor' gave the name its tender literary aura — a small act of human connection amid the ruins of war.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Esmé — etymology

Variations

EsméEsmaeEsma

Nicknames

EsEmmy

Famous Bearers

★Esmée Denters (1988-)
Dutch singer who rose to fame on YouTube and signed with Justin Timberlake's record label
★Esmée Fairbairn (1903-1971)
British philanthropist whose estate established one of the UK's largest charitable foundations

If you like Esmee…

Esme— the accented standard spelling

Esmeralda— the longer 'emerald' relative

Amaya— a fellow chic vowel-soft name

Romy— the companion continental favorite

Explore names like Esmee

By themelatin french chic

By meaningLove

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Esmee mean?

Esmee is from French esmé, 'esteemed, beloved' — a double-e spelling of Esmé.

How do you pronounce Esmee?

It's said EZ-may /ˈɛz.meɪ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Esmee a boy or girl name?

Esmee is now overwhelmingly a girl's name.

How popular is Esmee?

Esmee is an uncommon but rising name in the U.S.