"names (plural of ism)"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
Esma
Does Esma flow with your last name?
An exalted Arabic name with deep Islamic heritage
Turkish
Bosnian
Arabic
Muslim
Elegant
Classic
Spiritual
Sophisticated
Gentle
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
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The Story of Esma
Esma is the Turkish and Bosnian form of the Arabic name Asma (أسماء), meaning supreme, exalted, or lofty. It derives from the Arabic root ism (name) connected to the concept of being sublime or highly esteemed. Asma bint Abi Bakr was a revered companion of the Prophet Muhammad, known as Dhāt al-Niṭāqayn (She of the Two Girdles) for her bravery in helping the Prophet and her father during the Hijra. This connection gives the name deep Islamic significance.
Esma is particularly common in Turkey and Bosnia-Herzegovina, where it is a traditional name with strong Islamic heritage. It has spread to Western Europe through Turkish and Bosnian diaspora communities.
In Islamic tradition, Asma bint Abi Bakr is one of the most celebrated female companions of the Prophet, honored for her intelligence and courage. Queen Esma of Brunei and numerous historical Ottoman figures also bore the name, giving it royal associations in Islamic history.
Historical Record
Esma first appeared in US Social Security records in 1973.
Over 505 babies have been named Esma in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Esma is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #3,960 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Asma bint Abi Bakr was called She of the Two Girdles for her bravery during the Prophet's migration to Medina
- Esma Sultan was a daughter of Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II, making it a name with royal Ottoman pedigree
- Esma is one of the most common girls' names in Bosnia-Herzegovina
Esma in Other Languages
Urdu
اسماء
Arabic
أسماء (Asma)
Bosnian
Esma
Persian
اسما
Turkish
Esma
Popularity Over Time
#3,960
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Esma
E
Esma Sultan
Royalty
1778
Ottoman princess, daughter of Sultan Abdülhamid I, known for her intelligence and strong personality
A
Asma bint Abi Bakr
Religious
595
Revered companion of the Prophet Muhammad, daughter of Abu Bakr, known for her courage during the Hijra
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,960
- Total SSA Count
- 37
- Cultural Origins
- Turkish Bosnian Arabic Muslim
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Es
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Arabic heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, elegant style, 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 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Esma
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Turkish)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Esma
What does the name Esma mean?
"names (plural of ism)" (from Arabic). Esma is the Turkish and Bosnian form of the Arabic name Asma (أسماء), meaning supreme, exalted, or lofty. It derives from the Arabic root ism (name) connected to the concept of being sublime or highly esteemed. Asma bint Abi Bakr was a revered companion of the Prophet Muhammad, known as Dhāt al-Niṭāqayn (She of the Two Girdles) for her bravery in helping the Prophet and her father during the Hijra. This connection gives the name deep Islamic significance.
What is the origin of the name Esma?
Esma has Arabic, Turkish, Bosnian, and Muslim origins. In Arabic, it means "names (plural of ism)".
Is Esma a boy or girl name?
Esma is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Esma?
Esma is currently ranked #3960 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Esma?
Popular middle name pairings include Esma Nur, Esma Leila, Esma Grace, Esma Rose, Esma Jade, and Esma Ayla.
What are good sibling names for Esma?
Names that pair well with Esma as siblings include Ayla, Defne, Yusuf, Zeynep, Selim, and Nadia.
How many syllables does Esma have?
Esma has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Esma a common or rare name?
Esma is an uncommon name, ranked #3960 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Esma?
About the Name Esma
Esma is a girl name with Turkish, Bosnian, Arabic, and Muslim origins . The name means "names (plural of ism)" in Arabic .
Esma is currently ranked #3,960 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Esma has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Esma include Es. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Esma include Esme, Esmeralda, Esmae, Esmeray, Esmee . 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