Esmeralda

Emerald — a girl name of Spanish origin

GenderGirl
OriginSpanish
MeaningEmerald
Pronunciationez-meh-RAHL-dah

Popularity of Esmeralda in the United States

#373Rank in 2025
823Births in 2025
#133 in 1998Peak Popularity
→ Stable10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Esmeralda

Esmeralda is the Spanish and Portuguese word for "emerald," ultimately derived from the Greek "smaragdos." The name achieved lasting fame through Victor Hugo's 1831 novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, whose beautiful Romani heroine Esmeralda has been portrayed in countless film and stage adaptations, including Disney's 1996 animated feature. The name remains especially beloved in Latino communities across the United States.

Esmeralda Around the World

Esmeralda is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 9+ international variants.

Languages
SpanishPortugueseDutchLatvian
Details

TypeFemale given name

International Variants
SmeraldaItalian
Eszmeralda
EmeraldEnglish
EsméeDutch
Esmerelda
Emeraude
EsmeraldinaBrazilian Portuguese
SmaragdaGerman
EmeraldaEnglish

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Esmeralda

EsmeEssieMeraMeralda

Famous People Named Esmeralda

  • Esmeralda Santiago — Puerto Rican-American author (When I Was Puerto Rican)
  • Esmeralda Pimentel — Mexican actress

Similar Names to Esmeralda

If you like Esmeralda, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.

Also consider:ConsueloGuadalupeSoledadDolores

Sibling Name Ideas for Esmeralda

Looking for names that pair well with Esmeralda? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Esmeralda mean?

Esmeralda is a girl name of Spanish origin meaning "Emerald." Esmeralda is the Spanish and Portuguese word for "emerald," ultimately derived from the Greek "smaragdos." The name achieved lasting fame through Victor Hugo's 1831 novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, whose beautiful Romani heroine Esmeralda has been portrayed in countless film and stage adaptations, including Disney's 1996 animated feature.

How do you pronounce Esmeralda?

Esmeralda is pronounced ez-meh-RAHL-dah. Common variations include Esmerelda, Esmerald, Ismeralda.

Is Esmeralda a girl name?

Yes, Esmeralda is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Esme, Essie, Mera, Meralda.

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