Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Esme
GirlFrench· “esteemed, loved”
- Meaning
- esteemed, loved
- Origin
- French
- Pronunciation
- EHZ-may
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #298
- US babies 2025
- 1,032
- Best rank
- #298 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Esme
Esme is a French name that is usually said to mean “esteemed, loved”.
Esme comes from the Old French esmé, meaning "esteemed" or "loved", related to the verb aimer. It first appears in Scotland in the sixteenth century, when Esmé Stewart, a French-raised cousin of James VI, was created Duke of Lennox and brought the name with him. Originally used for men, Esme is now mostly given to girls in English-speaking countries. It is often written with an accent, as Esmé. The name has a quirky, literary charm and a soft, gentle sound. It is short but distinctive, and it pairs easily with longer middle names.
Popularity over time
Esme first appears in US Social Security records in 1913. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 16 different years, starting in 2010. Its best national rank was #298 in 2025, and the most babies received it in 2022, when 1,053 were named Esme. In 2025, 1,032 babies were named Esme, and it ranked #298 nationally. That is 146% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #10,863 in 1980, #3,684 in 2000, #927 in 2010, and #298 in 2025. Of the 10,920 US girls named Esme since records began, 51% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 4,092 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Winter, Poppy, Kalani, Dream, and Wynter.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Esme ranked highest in Rhode Island, District of Columbia, and Maine.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | #96 | 9 |
| District of Columbia | #125 | 6 |
| Maine | #159 | 7 |
| Massachusetts | #169 | 33 |
| Oregon | #169 | 21 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Esme is usually pronounced EHZ-may, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with E and ends in “-me”.
Middle names for Esme
A few middle names that flow with Esme: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Esme
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Lists that include Esme
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Esme mean?
Esme is a French name that is usually said to mean “esteemed, loved”.
What is the origin of the name Esme?
Esme has French roots. Esme comes from the Old French esmé, meaning "esteemed" or "loved", related to the verb aimer.
Is Esme a popular name?
Yes. Esme ranked #298 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Esme a boy or girl name?
Esme is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Esme?
Esme is usually pronounced EHZ-may. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings