About the name Esther
The origin of Esther is debated, and we couldn't confirm its meaning from a sourced etymology. A commonly cited theory links it to Persian roots, with the meaning “Star”. Treat that as a theory, not a settled fact.
Why we say this: we only state a meaning as fact when a sourced etymology (Wiktionary, with its references) supports it. For Esther we didn't find one we were confident in, so we show the popular explanation as a theory.
It has a vintage feel. In 2025, Esther ranked #119 for girls in the US, with 2,277 babies given the name. Its peak year since 1940 was 2025. Since 2000, 100% of US babies named Esther were girls.
- US rank 2025
- #119
- In 2015
- #203
- Babies in 2025
- 2,277
Popularity of Esther, 1940–2025
Latest SSA data: 2025.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration national baby names (public domain; names given to at least 5 babies of one sex per year).
Hello, world
Esther
Your last name
born on your big day
7 LB 4 OZ · 20 IN
The Baby Kit
See Esther on a birth announcement
Birth announcements, shower invitations, nursery wall art and milestone cards, all personalized with Esther. Type your details once and print at home or at any print shop.
Nicknames for Esther
- Essie
- Etta
Names similar to Esther
Name meanings marked or linked “Wiktionary” are adapted from Wiktionary by Wiktionary contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; each name page links its source entry.