"beloved, esteemed"
Origin: French
Language: English
Esme
Pronunciation: [ EHZM-AY ]
Does Esme flow with your last name?
A beloved literary gem with French elegance
English
French
Scottish
Persian
Literary
Elegant
Whimsical
Vintage
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"loved, valued"
Origin: Old French
Language: French
"purity, grace"
Origin: Persian
Language: Persian
Browse names with similar meanings:
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Esme Cullen, the vampire mother figure in Twilight — positive or neutral for most, but may evoke strong franchise associations
The Story of Esme
Esmé (or Esme) comes from the Old French past participle of 'esmer,' meaning 'to esteem' or 'to love,' related to Latin 'aestimare' (to estimate, to value). The name has been used in Scotland since the 16th century — Esmé Stuart, 1st Duke of Lennox, was a favorite of King James VI of Scotland. The accent is often dropped in English usage. Some scholars also connect the name to Persian 'Esmat,' meaning 'purity' or 'grace.'
Esme was primarily a literary and aristocratic name until J.D. Salinger's 1950 story 'For Esmé—with Love and Squalor' brought it wider cultural awareness. The Twilight saga (2005-2008) dramatically boosted its popularity as Esme Cullen, the compassionate vampire matriarch. It has since entered the US top 500 and continues to climb.
In Scottish history, Esmé was associated with the nobility and royal favorites. In literature, it carries the melancholy beauty of Salinger's wartime story. The name has a distinctive vintage British quality that appeals to parents seeking something rare but not invented.
Historical Record
Esme first appeared in US Social Security records in 1953.
Over 9,865 babies have been named Esme in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Esme is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #344 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- J.D. Salinger's 1950 short story 'For Esmé—with Love and Squalor' is considered one of the finest American short stories of the 20th century
- Esmé Stuart became Duke of Lennox as a favorite of King James VI of Scotland in 1580
- The name Esme entered the US top 1000 for girls in 2009, the year of Twilight's peak popularity
Esme in Other Languages
French
Esmée
Persian
اسمت
Spanish
Esmé
Japanese
エスメ
Scottish Gaelic
Esmé
Popularity Over Time
#344
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Esme
E
Esme Bianco
Actor
1983
British actress known for her role as Ros in Game of Thrones
E
Esmé Stuart
Royalty
1542
Scottish nobleman and 1st Duke of Lennox, close companion and favorite of King James VI of Scotland
E
Esme Cullen Fictional
Other
The gentle, compassionate vampire matriarch of the Cullen family in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series, played by Elizabe...
The gentle, compassionate vampire matriarch of the Cullen family in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series, played by Elizabeth Reaser in the films
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Compare Esme with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #344
- Total SSA Count
- 901
- Cultural Origins
- English French Scottish Persian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ez
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 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 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
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Esme
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Esme is also used as a boy name, ranked #36186.
View Esme as a boy name →Similar Names
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"small bird (the wren)"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Esme
What does the name Esme mean?
"beloved, esteemed" (from French). "loved, valued" (from Old French). "purity, grace" (from Persian). Esmé (or Esme) comes from the Old French past participle of 'esmer,' meaning 'to esteem' or 'to love,' related to Latin 'aestimare' (to estimate, to value). The name has been used in Scotland since the 16th century — Esmé Stuart, 1st Duke of Lennox, was a favorite of King James VI of Scotland. The accent is often dropped in English usage. Some scholars also connect the name to Persian 'Esmat,' meaning 'purity' or 'grace.'
What is the origin of the name Esme?
Esme has French, Old French, Persian, English, and Scottish origins. In French, it means "beloved, esteemed". In Old French, it means "loved, valued". In Persian, it means "purity, grace".
Is Esme a boy or girl name?
Esme is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #344. As a boy name, it is ranked #36186. Esme is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Esme?
Esme is pronounced EHZM-AY.
How popular is the name Esme?
Esme is currently ranked #344 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Esme?
Popular middle name pairings include Esme Rose, Esme Pearl, Esme Violet, Esme Gray, Esme Wren, and Esme June.
What are good sibling names for Esme?
Names that pair well with Esme as siblings include Soren, Jasper, Ottilie, Wren, Felix, and Sylvie.
How many syllables does Esme have?
Esme has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Esme a common or rare name?
Esme is a popular name, ranked #344 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
What girl names are similar to Esme?
About the Name Esme
Esme is a girl name with English, French, Scottish, and Persian origins . The name means "beloved, esteemed" in French .
Is Esme a boy or girl name? Esme is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #344 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #36,186. Esme is more commonly used as a girl name.
Esme is currently ranked #344 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Esme has 2 syllables and is pronounced EHZM-AY, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Esme include Ez. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Esme include Esmeralda, Esmae, Esmeray, Esmee, Esma . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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