Whether you are drawn to it for its powerful biblical heroine, its connection to the stars, or simply its soft, sibilant sound, Esther is a timeless contender. It carries the weight of history but fits perfectly alongside modern favorites like Eleanor and Hazel.
Verdict: Esther is a sophisticated choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers a lovely alternative to the skyrocketing popularity of names like Stella or Luna, providing the same celestial vibe with a bit more gravitas and history.
Esther Overview
- Meaning: The name Esther means “star,” “hide,” “cover,” or “myrtle.”
- Gender: Esther is predominantly female, but sometimes used as a male name.
- Origin: The name derives from the Persian word for “star.” It is related to the goddess of love, Ishtar. Esther is prominent in the Hebrew Bible.
- Pronunciation: It is widely pronounced as “ESS-ter.” The H is silent.
- Popularity: Esther was ranked 156th for newborn girls born in the United States in 2021.
- Nicknames: Essy, Este, Etta, Ettie, Stella.
- Variations: Eistir (Irish), Eseza (Luganda), Essi (Finnish), Estee (French), Ettie (English), Hester (English).
- Namesakes: Esther Dean (American singer), Esther Williams (American actress).
Esther is one of the most recognizable biblical names of all time, yet it feels surprisingly fresh in the modern era. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this classic name.
What Does Esther Mean?
The name Esther is a biblical girl’s name rich with dual meanings. Its most commonly cited etymology is from the Old Persian word stara, meaning “star.” This links it linguistically to the name Stella and the Babylonian goddess Ishtar.
However, the name has a secondary, deeper meaning within Hebrew tradition. It is connected to the Hebrew root s-t-r, meaning “hide” or “conceal.” This is particularly poetic given the biblical narrative: Queen Esther had to hide her Jewish identity to save her people.
Therefore, the name is often interpreted as “the hidden one” or “the hidden star.” Additionally, the Hebrew name for Queen Esther was Hadassah, which means “myrtle tree,” a plant associated with peace and love (1).
Where Does the Name Esther Come From?
The primary origin of the name is the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament). The Book of Esther tells the dramatic story of a Jewish orphan girl living in Persia who becomes queen.
In the narrative, Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai persuade the King to retract an order by the villain Haman to annihilate the Jewish people. Her bravery and intelligence saved her people, a victory celebrated annually during the Jewish holiday of Purim (2).
Historically, the name likely shares roots with the Babylonian goddess Ishtar, who represented love, political power, and war (3). This blends the Hebrew girl name tradition with ancient Persian linguistics.
How Popular is the Name Esther?
Esther is the definition of a “U-shaped” popularity curve. It was a dominant name in the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. In fact, it reached its historical peak in 1913, ranking at number 34 out of all births. It was a household staple for decades.
As the mid-century approached, Esther began to fade, acquiring a “grandmotherly” image alongside names like Ethel and Mildred. However, unlike those names, Esther never truly vanished; it stayed in the top 300 (4).
In recent years, Esther has shifted from “dated” to “distinguished.” It is currently a rising star, climbing back toward the top 100 as parents look for classic, feminine names that aren’t as ubiquitous as Charlotte or Sophia. It is a timeless choice that feels right at home in 2025.
How Do I Pronounce Esther?
The standard English pronunciation is “ESS-ter.”
It is important to note that despite the spelling, there is no “th” sound (as in “the” or “thought”) in the standard pronunciation. The “h” is silent, blending into a hard “t” sound.
Common variations in pronunciation include:
- ESS-tah: Common in British or non-rhotic accents where the final ‘r’ is dropped.
- es-TAIR: A more European or French-leaning inflection.
Is Esther a Boy or Girl Name?
Esther is overwhelmingly a female name. Historically and culturally, it is tied to the female figure of the Queen.
Since 1880, the Social Security Administration has listed a handful of males named Esther (likely errors or middle names), compared to hundreds of thousands of girls. If you are looking for a male counterpart with a similar root or vibe, you might consider the name Hester (historically unisex but now feminine) or the Hebrew masculine name Hadas.
Variations of Esther
Because the Book of Esther is central to both Jewish and Christian traditions, the name has traveled the globe. Variations exist in almost every major language.
Here are some beautiful international twists on the name:
- Eistir: Irish
- Estée: French (Associated with elegance and the beauty brand)
- Ester: Spanish, Italian, and Scandinavian (Streamlined spelling)
- Eszter: Hungarian
- Eseza: Luganda
- Essi: Finnish
- Yesfir: Russian
- Hadassah: The original Hebrew name
Nicknames for Esther
One of the best things about this name is its versatility in nicknames. You can go vintage, cute, or modern.
Common Nicknames:
- Essie: A sweet, vintage option suitable for a baby.
- Etta: Fun and spunky.
- Ettie: A diminutive that feels very Victorian.
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Esti: Currently very trendy in fashionable circles; it feels modern and fresh.
- Star: A literal interpretation of the name’s meaning.
- Tess: While usually for Tessa, it works perfectly for the sound of Esther.
Names Similar to Esther
If you like the vibe of Esther, classic, biblical, slightly vintage, but it’s not quite the one, consider these alternatives.
Similar in Sound or Style:
- Abigail: Shares the biblical, Old Testament virtue.
- Edith: Another “Old Lady” name that has made a cool comeback.
- Miriam: A biblical contemporary that shares the same gravitas.
- Ruth: Short, punchy, and deeply historically significant.
- Astrid: Shares the “st” sound and the celestial meaning (star).
- Celeste: For parents who love the “star” meaning but want a softer sound.
- Stella: The Latin literal translation of “Star.”
- Florence: A vintage name with a similar rhythm.
Middle Names for Esther
Esther is a strong, two-syllable name that pairs well with a variety of middle names. To help you choose, we’ve categorized them by “style.”
Classic & Royal
These pairings feel timeless and elegant, perfect for a traditional family.
Whimsical & Nature-Inspired
To soften the seriousness of Esther, try a nature name.
- Esther Willow
- Esther June
- Esther Lark
- Esther Fern
- Esther Pearl
Modern & Punchy
These single-syllable or modern names give Esther a contemporary edge.
- Esther Quinn
- Esther Maeve
- Esther Sloane
- Esther Blair
- Esther Jade
Sibling Names for Esther
Creating a sib-set is an art form. You want names that sound like they belong in the same era.
For a Brother
You generally want to avoid overly modern names (like Jaxon or Maverick) and stick to biblical or vintage classics.
- Ezra: Matches the biblical era and soft vowel sounds.
- Silas: Vintage, woodsy, and strong.
- Arthur: A classic name that shares Esther’s antiquity.
- Jonah: Gentle but masculine.
- Noah: A popular pair for Esther.
- Elias: Shares the initial “E” without being too matchy.
For a Sister
These names share the vintage charm and femininity of Esther.
- Lydia: Another New Testament classic.
- Naomi: A perfect Hebrew match.
- Clara: Vintage, simple, and elegant.
- Hazel: Shares the “nature” connection (Myrtle/Hazel).
- Sarah: The ultimate classic biblical pairing.
- Rachel: Soft and traditional.
Famous People Named Esther
This name has been worn by revolutionaries, actresses, and scientists. It denotes a woman of substance.
- Esther Williams: The most famous modern bearer; an American competitive swimmer and actress known for her “aquamusicals.”
- Esther Dyson: A prominent Swiss-American investor, journalist, and philanthropist.
- Esther Hicks: An American inspirational speaker and author.
- Esther Rolle: An Emmy-winning American actress best known for the TV show Good Times.
- Esther Canidas: A Spanish model and actress.
- Esther Bejarano: A survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp and a celebrated musician.
Esther in Pop Culture
- Esther Greenwood: The protagonist of Sylvia Plath’s famous novel, The Bell Jar.
- Esther Mikaelson: A powerful witch and antagonist in the TV series The Originals and The Vampire Diaries.
- Esther Summerson: The heroine and narrator of Charles Dickens’s novel Bleak House.
- Esther: The titular character in the psychological horror film Orphan.
FAQs About the Name Esther
Still have questions about this celestial name? Here are the answers to the most common queries.
Why Is Esther Associated With Myrtle Leaves?
This association comes from Queen Esther’s Hebrew birth name, Hadassah, which literally translates to “myrtle tree.” In Jewish tradition, the myrtle leaf represents fertility, life, and peace. It is an evergreen plant, symbolizing immortality and the enduring nature of the Jewish people.
Is Esther Short for Elizabeth?
No, Esther is a standalone name with its own distinct origin (Persian/Hebrew). Elizabeth is a Hebrew name meaning “God is my oath.” While they are both classic biblical names often found in the same families, they are etymologically unrelated.
What Other Baby Names Mean Star?
If you love the meaning of Esther but want a different sound, you have many options. Stella (Latin), Astrid (Old Norse for Divinely Beautiful/Star), Danica (Slavic for Morning Star), and Seren (Welsh for Star) are all beautiful alternatives.
Is There a Feast Day for Esther?
Yes, though it is not a “feast” in the Catholic sense. In Judaism, the primary celebration associated with Esther is Purim. This joyous holiday commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman, who was planning to kill all the Jews. It usually falls in February or March and involves reading the Book of Esther (the Megillah).
Is the Name Esther Considered Old Fashioned?
Esther is considered “vintage” rather than “dated.” While it was viewed as old-fashioned in the 1980s and 90s, it is currently fashionable again. It fits into the “100-year rule,” where names from a great-grandmother’s generation become fresh and trendy for new babies.
