How to say it
ES · ther
/ˈɛs.tɚ/
Feminine
Esther
Star
What it means
Most likely from Old Persian stara ('star'), via Hebrew Esther. An alternate reading takes it from the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. The biblical Esther saved the Jews of Persia from genocide; her story is the Book of Esther.
Esther comes from the Hebrew name of the biblical heroine (originally probably from Old Persian stara, 'star'). Some scholars trace it instead to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. In the Book of Esther she's the Jewish orphan who becomes queen of Persia and stops Haman's genocidal plot against the Jews; her story is read every year at Purim. The English Esther was a Puritan favorite, then a steady mid-century name, then faded — now returning with the broader vintage and Old Testament wave. Essie and Esti are common shorts.
Popularity over time
peaked at #27 in 1896, currently #119 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–present. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Nickname
Essie and Esti are the standard shorts; Hetty is an older variant.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Esther (Bible) Jewish queen of Persia who stopped Haman's plot against the Jews; her feast is Purim
- Esther Williams American competitive swimmer and 1940s-50s MGM movie star
Spelling variants
- Ester
- Esti
Names with the same feeling
See Esther from another angle
By meaning
By style