Girl
Hebrew / Persian
2 syllables
Esther
ES-ter
/ˈɛstər/
"The star" — a name of biblical heroism, Persian starlight, and timeless courageous grace
Esther is one of the most powerful names in the Hebrew Bible — the Jewish queen of Persia whose courage and beauty saved her people from genocide. The name's origin is debated: it may derive from the Hebrew meaning 'hidden' or 'concealed,' from the Persian sitareh meaning 'star,' or from the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. All three origins are luminous, and Esther herself shines through history as a model of beauty deployed in service of brave purpose. After a long mid-century decline, Esther is thriving again.
Quick Facts
Letters6
SyllablesEs · ther
GenderGirl
OriginHebrew / Persian
Root WordHadassah / Sitareh
MeaningStar, hidden
PopularityPopular
Peak Year1900
Trend
↑ Rising
Name DayJuly 1
Nicknames
EssieEssEttie
About the Name Esther
Esther's meaning is multilayered and debated. It may come from the Hebrew word satar meaning 'hidden' or 'concealed' (reflecting that she hid her Jewish identity at the Persian court), from the Persian sitareh meaning 'star,' or from the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. The 'star' meaning is most poetically apt: Esther shines through history like a star whose light carries across millennia.
Esther is one of the most celebrated names in Jewish tradition, carried by the heroine of the Book of Esther and celebrated at the festival of Purim. However, it has been widely used in Christian communities since the Reformation, and today it is cherished across Jewish, Christian, and secular families worldwide. The name transcends any single religious identity.
Esther is associated with courage, intelligence, and a quiet but formidable inner strength. People named Esther tend to be seen as warm and deeply principled — someone who can move through difficult situations with grace and purpose. The biblical Esther was both beautiful and brave, strategic and compassionate, and these qualities have become associated with the name.
Yes, Esther is one of the more dramatic name revivals of the 2010s and 2020s. After declining sharply in the mid-20th century, it has been climbing strongly in the US, UK, and Australia. Parents are drawn to its Hebrew Biblical gravitas, its vintage warmth, and its accessible but distinctive feel. The nickname Essie gives it a modern freshness alongside its ancient dignity.
Esther pairs beautifully with vintage middles that complement its Old Testament character. Perfect options include Esther Rose, Esther Grace, Esther Pearl, Esther Violet, and Esther Claire. The name's two solid syllables work well before both single- and two-syllable middles. Biblical or vintage middles like Esther Joy or Esther Wren create a particularly cohesive feel.
Queen Esther, originally named Hadassah, was a Jewish woman who became queen of Persia after King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) chose her for her beauty. When the king's advisor Haman plotted to exterminate all Jews in Persia, Esther risked her life by approaching the king uninvited — a capital offense — to plead for her people. Her bravery saved the Jews, and the rescue is celebrated annually at Purim. She is one of only two women for whom entire books of the Bible are named (along with Ruth).
Personality of Esther
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Esther
Creativity
76%
Elegance
84%
Independence
86%
Intelligence
88%
Strength
90%
Warmth
84%
Famous People Named Esther
E
Esther (Book of Esther)
Jewish queen of Persia who risked her life to save her people from Haman's genocide
E
Esther Williams
American actress and competitive swimmer, the Million Dollar Mermaid
E
Esther Perel
Belgian psychotherapist and bestselling author on relationships and desire
E
Esther Rantzen
British television presenter and charity founder
E
Esther Povitsky
American actress and comedian
Middle Names for Esther
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Esther
Esther Rose
Esther Grace
Esther Pearl
Esther Marie
Esther Violet
Esther Claire
Esther Jean
Esther Louise
Esther Elise
Esther Faye
Esther Joy
Esther Wren
Names Similar to Esther
Similar Sound
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Esther
480 BCE
Queen Esther saves the Jewish people of Persia; the Book of Esther is written
1600
Esther becomes widely used in England following the Protestant Reformation's embrace of Old Testament names
1920
Esther Williams born in Los Angeles, destined to make the name synonymous with aquatic glamour
2010
Esther begins a strong revival in the UK and US as vintage Hebrew names return to fashion
Numerology & Symbolism of Esther
3
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
1
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Aquarius
8
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Gold
💎
Lucky Stone
Star Sapphire
🌸
Lucky Flower
Star of Bethlehem
Esther Around the World
How Esther is written in different languages and scripts
إستير
Arabic
エスター
Japanese
Эстер
Russian
에스더
Korean
以斯帖
Chinese
Εσθήρ
Greek
एस्थर
Hindi
אֶסְתֵּר
Hebrew
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