Names › Girls' names › E › Esther
Esther
Meaning: probably 'star' · Origin: Persian · Gender: usually a girl's name
Origin & history
The heroine of the biblical Book of Esther, a Jewish queen of Persia. The name is usually linked to Persian stara, 'star'.
Famous people named Esther
- Esther Williams (swimmer and actor)
Nicknames
Essie, Etty
Variants & related names
Ester, Eszter, Hester
Esther name art
A free preview of a printable “Esther” poster with its meaning — great for a nursery, a birthday or a gift.
Instant download, no subscription. Not printed or shipped — you get a high-resolution PNG to print at home or at a print shop.
FAQ
What does the name Esther mean?
Esther means “probably 'star'”. It comes from Persian.
Is Esther a popular name?
Esther is a classic girls' name that has been used for generations in the English-speaking world. For its current rank, see the US Social Security Administration or UK Office for National Statistics baby-name lists.
What are nicknames for Esther?
Essie, Etty.
What are other forms of Esther?
Ester, Eszter, Hester.
Similar names
Jasmine · Emma · Evelyn · Eleanor · Elizabeth · Ella
More: names starting with E · all girls' names
Sources: standard name etymology references (e.g. Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names); popularity from US SSA and UK ONS baby-name data. Meanings of old names are often debated — where scholars disagree we say so.