Ester
Ester is a girl's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Star; or myrtle (via Hebrew root).
Origin and history
Ester is a spelling variant of Esther, derived from the Persian word for star or the Hebrew name Hadassah. It is a traditional biblical name that has remained consistently used in the United States over time. While less common than the spelling with an 'h', it offers a sleek, international alternative.
Popularity in the United States
16,265 babies in the United States have been named Ester since 1880. It ranks #1207 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1304.
States where it is most popular
- TX (33.6 %)
- CA (10.3 %)
- NY (9.2 %)
- MS (6.2 %)
- NC (5.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 115 |
| 1890-1900 | 387 |
| 1900-1910 | 622 |
| 1910-1920 | 1,573 |
| 1920-1930 | 2,373 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,577 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,582 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,584 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,184 |
| 1970-1980 | 746 |
| 1980-1990 | 727 |
| 1990-2000 | 754 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,009 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,190 |
| 2020-2029 | 842 |
Famous people named Ester
- Ester Expósito: Actress, Model
- Ester Dean: Singer, Songwriter
- Ester Ledecká: Snowboarder, Alpine Skier
Nicknames
Essie, Star, Ettie
Fun facts
- Ester is the standard spelling in several European languages, including Spanish, Swedish, and Italian, omitting the silent English 'h'.
- The name is often linked to the Old Persian word 'stāra', meaning star, reflecting its ancient multicultural roots.