Esther: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Esther mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Persian: Star
Hebrew: Myrtle leaf

Gender: Female

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Esther is pronounced ess-ter.

The name Esther has its origins rooted in the Bible, derived from the Persian word for "star." It is also associated with the Hebrew name Hadassah, which means "myrtle." Queen Esther of the Old Testament is a notable figure, known for her story of courage and faith in saving her people. The name has persisted through centuries, retaining its charm and significance.

Girl name variations

Family name origins & meanings

French and Jewish: metronymic from the female name Esther, from Hebrew Ester, the name borne in the Bible by a Jewish captive of the Persian King Ahasuerus. According to the Biblical story, she became his favorite concubine and by her wise persuasion managed to save the Jews of Persia from the machinations of the royal counselor Haman. Her name is probably a derivative of Persian esther, meaning "star."

German: habitational name from any of various places in Bavaria named Ester.

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Ewan McGregor

Esther in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Esther Summerson from Bleak House - The kind and resilient protagonist of Charles Dickens' novel who serves as a significant narrator.
Esther Coleman from Orphan - A central character in the horror film, known for her unsettling and mysterious persona.
Queen Esther from The Bible - A Jewish queen of Persia, famed for her bravery in saving her people, commemorated during the festival of Purim.
Esther Greenwood from The Bell Jar - The semi-autobiographical protagonist of Sylvia Plath's novel, dealing with themes of mental health and societal expectations.
Esther Mikaelson from The Originals - A powerful witch and matriarch of the Mikaelson family in the vampire drama series.

Popularity of the Name Esther

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Esther has seen various shifts in popularity over the years. Historically, it has been a favored name, particularly in the early 20th century, and continues to maintain a solid presence in the top 200 names today.

Known for its biblical roots, Esther was popularized by Queen Esther from the Book of Esther in the Bible, who is celebrated for her bravery and leadership. Prominent individuals named Esther include the American poet Esther M. Friesner and actress Esther Williams. In fiction, the character Esther Summerson appears in Charles Dickens’ novel Bleak House. The name's enduring appeal can be attributed to its strong historical and cultural significance.