Esther
Esther is a girl name of Persian / Hebrew origin meaning “Star”, pronounced ES-ter. It ranked #119 in the United States in 2025, given to 2,277 babies, and peaked at #27 in 1896. Common nicknames: Essie, Ettie, Esta.
How popular is Esther in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Esther mean, and where does it come from?
Esther is believed to derive from the Persian word "stara" meaning "star," or it may be related to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. In the Old Testament, Esther was a Jewish queen of Persia who saved her people from a plot of genocide, an event celebrated annually in the Jewish festival of Purim. Her Hebrew name was Hadassah, meaning "myrtle." The name was adopted widely by Christians and Jews alike after the Reformation and has remained in steady use. It carries connotations of courage, beauty, and quiet strength.
How is Esther used around the world?
Esther is used in 5 languages worldwide, with 5+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Esther?
Famous People Named Esther
- Esther Williams — American swimmer and actress
- Esther Perel — Belgian psychotherapist and author
- Esther Duflo — French-American Nobel Prize-winning economist
Similar Names to Esther
If you like Esther, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Esther
Looking for names that pair well with Esther? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Esther mean?
Esther is a girl name of Persian / Hebrew origin meaning "Star." Esther is believed to derive from the Persian word "stara" meaning "star," or it may be related to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. In the Old Testament, Esther was a Jewish queen of Persia who saved her people from a plot of genocide, an event celebrated annually in the Jewish festival of Purim.
How do you pronounce Esther?
Esther is pronounced ES-ter. Common variations include Ester, Eszter, Hester.
Is Esther a girl name?
Yes, Esther is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Essie, Ettie, Esta.