Esther
Star — a girl name of Persian / Hebrew origin
Popularity of 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.
Meaning & Origin of Esther
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.
Esther 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.
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
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Sibling Name Ideas for Esther
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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.
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