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Essie
Pronounced EHS-ee /ΛΙs.i/Medium
Meaning: star (as a pet form of Esther or Estelle)Medium
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Essie began as an affectionate short form of Esther or Estelle, carrying their shared sense of 'star.' It has the easy, sweet sound of an old-fashioned nickname that grew into a name of its own. Its variations, from Esther to Stela, trace both the Esther and Estelle lines behind it.
The name has a warm, vintage charm, two soft syllables that feel both cozy and bright. Its forms Esther, 'Ester, Hester, Stela, and Estel show the two starry parent names it draws on. Actress Essie Davis of the Miss Fisher series carries it.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
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Essie Davis (1970βpresent)Australian actress, star of the Miss Fisher mystery series.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Essie mean?
Essie is usually explained as meaning 'star,' as a diminutive of Esther or Estelle, and is most often linked with English tradition.
How do you pronounce Essie?
It's commonly said EHS-ee /ΛΙs.i/.
Is Essie a boy or girl name?
In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Essie is used as a girl name.
How popular is Essie?
In 2024, Essie ranked #2718 in the U.S. for girls, with 63 births recorded.