Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Ester
GirlPersian, Hebrew· “star”
- Meaning
- star
- Origin
- Persian, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- ES-ter
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,574
- US babies 2025
- 134
- Best rank
- #368 (1905)
- Peak year
- 1925
Meaning and origin of Ester
Ester is a Persian and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “star”.
Ester is the spelling of Esther used in Spanish, Italian, Scandinavian, Czech and other languages. Esther is the heroine of the biblical Book of Esther, the Jewish queen of Persia who saved her people, an event celebrated at the festival of Purim. The name is often linked to the Persian word for "star," though some connect it to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. Her Hebrew name was Hadassah, meaning myrtle. Ester is timeless and elegant, with deep roots in Jewish and Christian tradition.
Other spellings with the same sound: Esther.
Popularity over time
Ester first appears in US Social Security records in 1881. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 85 different years, starting in 1881. Its best national rank was #368 in 1905, and the most babies received it in 1925, when 281 were named Ester. In 2025, 134 babies were named Ester, and it ranked #1,574 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #447 in 1920, #646 in 1950, #1,614 in 1980, #1,720 in 2000, #1,748 in 2010, and #1,574 in 2025. Of the 16,265 US girls named Ester since records began, 15% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 1,584 babies. Since 2010, 2,032 more have been named Ester.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Jannie, Jaunita, Georgie, Dorris, and Retha.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ester ranked highest in Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #760 | 6 |
| Massachusetts | #800 | 6 |
| New Jersey | #875 | 8 |
| New York | #958 | 16 |
| Florida | #1076 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Ester is usually pronounced ES-ter, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with E and ends in “-er”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Esther.
Middle names for Ester
A few middle names that flow with Ester: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ester
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Lists that include Ester
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ester mean?
Ester is a Persian and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “star”.
What is the origin of the name Ester?
Ester has Persian, Hebrew, and Spanish roots. Ester is the spelling of Esther used in Spanish, Italian, Scandinavian, Czech and other languages.
Is Ester a popular name?
Not especially. Ester ranked #1,574 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Ester a boy or girl name?
Ester is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Ester?
Ester is usually pronounced ES-ter. 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