Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Esther
GirlPersian, Hebrew· “possibly 'star'”
- Meaning
- possibly 'star' (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Persian, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- ES-tur
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #119
- US babies 2025
- 2,277
- Best rank
- #27 (1896)
- Peak year
- 1918
Meaning and origin of Esther
Esther is often said to mean “possibly 'star'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Persian and Hebrew roots.
Esther is the name of the Jewish heroine of the biblical Book of Esther, who becomes queen of Persia and saves her people from a plot to destroy them; the story is celebrated each year at Purim. Her Hebrew name was Hadassah, meaning myrtle. The origin of Esther is debated: many link it to a Persian word for star, while others connect it to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. The name was popular in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and is now enjoying a vintage revival. It feels warm, dignified and quietly strong, with Essie and Etta as sweet nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Ester.
Popularity over time
Esther has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #27 in 1896, and the most babies received it in 1918, when 6,574 were named Esther. In 2025, 2,277 babies were named Esther, and it ranked #119 nationally. That is 40% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #39 in 1920, #162 in 1950, #295 in 1980, #323 in 2000, #260 in 2010, and #119 in 2025. Of the 271,234 US girls named Esther since records began, 18% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 49,212 babies. Since 2010, 28,225 more have been named Esther.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Gertrude, Pauline, Clara, Hazel, and Agnes.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Esther ranked highest in New Jersey, New York, and Alaska.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #11 | 248 |
| New York | #15 | 428 |
| Alaska | #65 | 9 |
| Indiana | #100 | 64 |
| Washington | #103 | 60 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Esther is usually pronounced ES-tur, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with E and ends in “-er”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Ester.
Middle names for Esther
A few middle names that flow with Esther: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Esther
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Lists that include Esther
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Esther mean?
Esther is often said to mean “possibly 'star'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Persian and Hebrew roots.
What is the origin of the name Esther?
Esther has Persian and Hebrew roots. Esther is the name of the Jewish heroine of the biblical Book of Esther, who becomes queen of Persia and saves her people from a plot to destroy them; the story is celebrated each year at Purim.
Is Esther a popular name?
Yes. Esther ranked #119 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Esther a boy or girl name?
Esther is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Esther?
Esther is usually pronounced ES-tur. 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