Esther is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin. Its meaning is derived from the Hebrew word "ester," which translates to "star." The name Esther has a rich history and cultural significance, particularly in Jewish tradition.
In the Old Testament of the Bible, Esther is the name of a young Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia during the reign of King Ahasuerus. This biblical figure is known for her courage and wisdom in saving her people from extermination by Haman, a wicked vizier who sought to destroy them. The story of Esther is commemorated annually on the Jewish holiday of Purim.
In addition to its biblical significance, the name Esther has also been popular among various cultures throughout history. In France, for instance, it was quite common during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Esther remains a classic yet timeless name, beloved by many parents worldwide who appreciate its meaning and heritage.
In terms of its spelling and pronunciation, Esther is typically written as "Esther" in English and pronounced /ˈɛs.tər/. It has also been rendered in other languages with slight variations, such as "Ester" in Spanish and Italian. Overall, Esther continues to be a popular choice among parents seeking a strong, meaningful name for their daughters, drawing from its rich history and symbolic significance.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Esther has shown fluctuations in popularity over time in the United States.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of babies named Esther varied greatly year to year. Starting with just 189 births in 1881, it reached a peak of 6574 births in 1918. However, by 1923, the number of newborn girls named Esther had dropped significantly to 5315.
The mid-20th century saw a further decline in the popularity of the name Esther. By 1946, only 1779 babies were named Esther, and this low point persisted through the 1950s and 1960s, with fewer than 1500 births per year.
However, from the late 1970s onwards, there was a resurgence in the popularity of the name Esther. In 1980, there were 841 babies named Esther, increasing to 982 by 1990. This trend continued into the 21st century, with a peak of 2081 births in 2022.
In total, from 1881 to 2023, there were 266,647 babies named Esther born in the United States. These statistics demonstrate how the popularity of a name can change over time and generations.