"star, radiant one"
Origin: Hebrew/Persian
Language: English
Essie
Pronunciation: [ EHS-ee ]
Does Essie flow with your last name?
A sweet vintage gem with a biblical star at its heart
English
Jewish
American
African American
Vintage
Whimsical
Playful
Gentle
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"hidden, possibly myrtle plant"
Origin: Hebrew Ester
Language: Hebrew
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The Story of Essie
Essie is a diminutive of Esther, a name with dual possible origins: the Hebrew Ester (possibly meaning hidden or star) and the Persian name Astar (meaning star or myrtle plant). Esther is a heroine of the Hebrew Bible who saved the Jewish people in Persia. As a standalone name, Essie has the warmth of vintage nickname names like Elsie and Bea, enjoying a revival as parents rediscover Victorian-era pet names.
Essie was common in the US from the 1880s through the 1930s as both a given name and nickname, then faded. It began its comeback in the 2010s alongside other vintage revival names like Hazel, Bea, and Mabel. Essie nail polish (founded 1981) has also kept the name in cultural consciousness.
As a diminutive of Esther, Essie connects to one of the most celebrated heroines of the Hebrew Bible. In African American communities, Essie was a beloved old-fashioned name that is now experiencing renewed appreciation.
Historical Record
Essie first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 4,538 babies have been named Essie in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Essie is past its peak , currently ranked #2,714 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Esther is one of only two books in the Hebrew Bible named after a woman (the other is Ruth)
- Essie nail polish was founded by Essie Weingarten in 1981 and is now sold in over 100 countries
- Essie was a top-100 name in the US in the 1890s
Essie in Other Languages
French
Esther
German
Esther
Hebrew
אסתר
Persian
ستاره
Spanish
Ester
Popularity Over Time
#2,714
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Essie
E
E
Esther (Biblical)
Royalty
Jewish heroine of the Hebrew Bible who became Queen of Persia and saved the Jewish people from genocide, celebrated in t...
Jewish heroine of the Hebrew Bible who became Queen of Persia and saved the Jewish people from genocide, celebrated in the Purim holiday
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Compare Essie with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,714
- Total SSA Count
- 63
- Cultural Origins
- English Jewish American African American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Ess
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Essie
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Essie is also used as a boy name, ranked #37477.
View Essie as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Essie
What does the name Essie mean?
"star, radiant one" (from Hebrew/Persian). "hidden, possibly myrtle plant" (from Hebrew Ester). Essie is a diminutive of Esther, a name with dual possible origins: the Hebrew Ester (possibly meaning hidden or star) and the Persian name Astar (meaning star or myrtle plant). Esther is a heroine of the Hebrew Bible who saved the Jewish people in Persia. As a standalone name, Essie has the warmth of vintage nickname names like Elsie and Bea, enjoying a revival as parents rediscover Victorian-era pet names.
What is the origin of the name Essie?
Essie has Hebrew/Persian, Hebrew Ester, English, Jewish, American, and African American origins. In Hebrew/Persian, it means "star, radiant one". In Hebrew Ester, it means "hidden, possibly myrtle plant".
Is Essie a boy or girl name?
Essie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2714. As a boy name, it is ranked #37477. Essie is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Essie?
Essie is pronounced EHS-ee.
How popular is the name Essie?
Essie is currently ranked #2714 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Essie?
Common nicknames for Essie include Ess.
What are good middle names for Essie?
Popular middle name pairings include Essie Mae, Essie Rose, Essie Jane, Essie Pearl, Essie Grace, Essie Faye, and Essie Blanche.
What are good sibling names for Essie?
Names that pair well with Essie as siblings include Bea, Mabel, Hazel, Archie, Ezra, and Willa.
How many syllables does Essie have?
Essie has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Essie a common or rare name?
Essie is an uncommon name, ranked #2714 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Essie
Essie is a girl name with English, Jewish, American, and African American origins . The name means "star, radiant one" in Hebrew/Persian .
Is Essie a boy or girl name? Essie is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,714 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #37,477. Essie is more commonly used as a girl name.
Essie is currently ranked #2,714 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Essie has 2 syllables and is pronounced EHS-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Essie include Ess. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis