"star, radiant one"
Origin: Hebrew/Persian
Language: English
Essie
Pronunciation: [ EHS-ee ]
Girl Name
#2,714 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A sweet vintage gem with a biblical star at its heart
English
Jewish
American
African American
Vintage
Whimsical
Playful
Gentle
Classic
Meaning & Origin
"hidden, possibly myrtle plant"
Origin: Hebrew Ester
Language: Hebrew
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.
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
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
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
Pairs Well With
Essie Mae
Essie Rose
Essie Jane
Essie Pearl
Essie Grace
Essie Faye
Essie Blanche
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Essie is also used as a boy name, ranked #37477.
View Essie as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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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.