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Home › Baby Names Directory › Hester

Hester

♀ Girl

Pronounced HES-tur /ˈhɛs.tər/Medium

Meaning: A form of Esther, from the Persian for 'star' (linked to the goddess Ishtar); famous as Hester Prynne of The Scarlet Letter. Vintage and literary.Low

In 30 seconds: Hester is a form of Esther, 'star' (said 'HES-tur'). Vintage, literary, and rare.
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Origin MediumPersian, English
MeaningA form of Esther, from the Persian for 'star' (linked to the goddess Ishtar); famous as Hester Prynne of The Scarlet Letter. Vintage and literary.
U.S. rank (2023)#16067 ↘ Falling
2023 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1918
Total births (all-time)≈ 14,222

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191818802023

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

Hester is a form of Esther, 'star,' carried into English tradition and made famous by Hester Prynne of The Scarlet Letter. Vintage and literary, it is rare in the U.S. today (said 'HES-tur').

It appears rarely in the U.S. Rare, vintage, and literary.

Did you know? Hester is a form of Esther, from the Persian for 'star' - best known as Hester Prynne of Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, a name of quiet strength (said 'HES-tur').
Overall data confidence 48%
References - Hester — form of Esther; Persian 'star'; Hester Prynne

Variations

EstherHestherHettie

Nicknames

HettieHes

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Hester…

Esther— the name it forms
Hazel— a like vintage name
Agatha— a like vintage classic
Mabel— a like vintage revival name

Explore names like Hester

By themeclassicvintagepersianliterary

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Hester mean?

Hester is a form of Esther, from the Persian for 'star' (linked to the goddess Ishtar).

How do you pronounce Hester?

It's said HES-tur /ˈhɛs.tər/ - two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Hester a boy or girl name?

Hester is a girl's name.

How popular is Hester?

Hester is a rare name in the U.S.

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