"star"
Origin: Hebrew/Persian
Language: Hebrew
Ester
Pronunciation: [ EHST-er ]
Does Ester flow with your last name?
A starlit biblical heroine reborn for modern parents
Jewish
Spanish
Scandinavian
English
Portuguese
Classic
Vintage
Spiritual
Elegant
Literary
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Ester
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Meaning & Origin
"myrtle plant"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
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The Story of Ester
Ester is an alternate spelling of Esther, a name of disputed etymology — possibly from the Hebrew 'aster' (star), the Persian 'stara' (star), or the Hebrew word for myrtle (the plant). In the Hebrew Bible, Esther is the Jewish heroine of the Book of Esther, a Jewish woman who became Queen of Persia and courageously saved her people from genocide. Her Hebrew name was Hadassah (myrtle). The spelling Ester is standard in many European languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, and Scandinavian languages.
Ester/Esther has seen a remarkable revival in the 21st century, rising from unfashionable to vintage-chic. The name's resurgence is part of the broader trend of Victorian-era names returning to favor, driven by parents who appreciate its historical weight and elegant simplicity. In Spanish-speaking countries, Ester has been consistently used throughout the 20th century.
In Jewish tradition, Esther is one of the great heroines of the Hebrew Bible — the feast of Purim celebrates her courage in saving the Jewish people from Haman's genocide in the Persian court. In Scandinavian and Hispanic cultures, Ester is a classic given name without specifically religious connotations.
Historical Record
Ester first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 7,899 babies have been named Ester in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ester is past its peak , currently ranked #1,509 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Book of Esther is one of only two books in the Bible named after a woman (the other is Ruth)
- Purim, the Jewish festival celebrating Esther's story, involves costumes, gift-giving, and reading the Book of Esther aloud
Ester in Other Languages
French
Esther
German
Esther
Hebrew
אֶסְתֵּר
Persian
Esther
Spanish
Ester
Scandinavian
Ester
Popularity Over Time
#1,509
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Ester
E
Ester Exposito
Actor
1999
Spanish actress known for her role as Carla in the Netflix series Elite
E
Esther Williams
Actor
1921
American competitive swimmer turned actress, star of MGM's aquatic musicals in the 1940s-50s, known as 'America's Mermai...
American competitive swimmer turned actress, star of MGM's aquatic musicals in the 1940s-50s, known as 'America's Mermaid'
E
Esther (biblical)
Royalty
Jewish queen of Persia who saved her people from genocide, heroine of the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible
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Compare Ester with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,509
- Total SSA Count
- 143
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Spanish Scandinavian English Portuguese
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Essie
Esta
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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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
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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
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Ester
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Ester is also used as a boy name, ranked #17180.
View Ester as a boy name →Similar Names
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Catalan origin
"Our Lady of the Jagged Mountain"
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French/Latin origin
"from Brittany, land of Britons"
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Old Norse 'Geirr + ey' origin
"Geirr's island"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ester
What does the name Ester mean?
"star" (from Hebrew/Persian). "myrtle plant" (from Hebrew). Ester is an alternate spelling of Esther, a name of disputed etymology — possibly from the Hebrew 'aster' (star), the Persian 'stara' (star), or the Hebrew word for myrtle (the plant). In the Hebrew Bible, Esther is the Jewish heroine of the Book of Esther, a Jewish woman who became Queen of Persia and courageously saved her people from genocide. Her Hebrew name was Hadassah (myrtle). The spelling Ester is standard in many European languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, and Scandinavian languages.
What is the origin of the name Ester?
Ester has Hebrew/Persian, Hebrew, Jewish, Spanish, Scandinavian, English, and Portuguese origins. In Hebrew/Persian, it means "star". In Hebrew, it means "myrtle plant".
Is Ester a boy or girl name?
Ester is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1509. As a boy name, it is ranked #17180. Ester is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Ester?
Ester is pronounced EHST-er.
How popular is the name Ester?
Ester is currently ranked #1509 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Ester?
Common nicknames for Ester include Essie and Esta.
What are good middle names for Ester?
Popular middle name pairings include Ester Rose, Ester Marie, Ester Grace, Ester Anne, Ester Claire, Ester Louise, and Ester Pearl.
What are good sibling names for Ester?
Names that pair well with Ester as siblings include Naomi, Ruth, Hadassah, Miriam, Mordecai, Ezra, and Leah.
How many syllables does Ester have?
Ester has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Ester a common or rare name?
Ester is an uncommon name, ranked #1509 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Ester?
About the Name Ester
Ester is a girl name with Jewish, Spanish, Scandinavian, English, and Portuguese origins . The name means "star" in Hebrew/Persian .
Is Ester a boy or girl name? Ester is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,509 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #17,180. Ester is more commonly used as a girl name.
Ester is currently ranked #1,509 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Ester has 2 syllables and is pronounced EHST-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Ester include Essie and Esta. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Ester include Estella, Estelle, Estefany, Estela, Estefania . 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