Estee is a unique and elegant name of Hebrew origin. Its meaning is "crown" or "star." The name is derived from the Hebrew word "oste," which means "star." Estee is often associated with royalty and excellence, as a crown symbolizes power and success.
The history of the name Estee is intertwined with that of its variant Estella. Both names gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy. Estee was often used as a nickname for girls named Esther or Stephanie, while Estella became more widely used as an independent given name.
In literature, Estee gained fame through Charlotte Brontë's novel "Villette," published in 1853. The protagonist of the story, Lucy Snowe, becomes friends with a young girl named Estee. This character helped to popularize the name among English-speaking audiences.
Today, Estee is still considered an uncommon yet beautiful name. It is often chosen by parents who wish to give their daughters a distinctive and meaningful name. While it may not be as widely used as some other Hebrew names like Sarah or Rachel, Estee remains a powerful and captivating option for those seeking something unique.
The name Estee has been given to a total of 792 babies in the United States since 1917, according to the available data. The popularity of this name has fluctuated over time, with periods of higher usage followed by periods of lower usage.
Between 1917 and 1923, there were only five births each year for the name Estee, except for a peak of six births in 1923. However, starting in 1971, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Estee, with 14 births in 1972 and 22 births in 1976.
The late 1970s and early 1980s saw continued popularity for the name Estee, with at least 17 births each year between 1978 and 1985. The peak of this period occurred in 1981, with 25 births.
However, after the mid-1980s, the usage of the name Estee began to decline steadily. Between 1990 and 2003, there were fewer than 20 births each year for this name. The lowest point in recent history was reached in 2002, with only seven births.
While the popularity of the name Estee has decreased over time, it has remained relatively stable since the mid-2000s. Between 2004 and 2023, there have been between nine and 19 births each year for this name, with an average of around 13 births per year.
In conclusion, while the name Estee has experienced periods of higher popularity in the United States, it has generally been a relatively uncommon name throughout its history. However, it continues to be given to a small number of babies each year, suggesting that there is still some ongoing appeal for this name among parents.