Essie is a unique and charming name of American origin. It is derived from the name Esther, which is of Persian origin and means "star." Esther was the wife of King Ahasuerus in the Book of Esther in the Old Testament. The name Essie has been popular among families who prefer shorter and more casual versions of traditional names.
The name Essie gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States. It was often used as a nickname for girls named Esther or even for those whose middle name was Esther. Over time, Essie has become recognized as an independent given name rather than just a diminutive of Esther.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Essie has seen a resurgence. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it ranked among the top 1000 names for girls born in the United States in 2019. This trend suggests that parents are drawn to Essie's vintage charm and its association with the timeless beauty of Esther.
Overall, the name Essie is a delightful choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughter. Its origins and history make it an appealing option for those who appreciate names with a rich backstory and a touch of whimsy.
The name Essie peaked in popularity during the early to mid-20th century. Its usage was most prevalent between 1880 and 1964, with a notable spike occurring from 1909 to 1914, reaching its highest point in 1915 with 869 births. However, starting from the late 1960s, there was a significant decline in Essie's popularity as a baby name, with fewer than 50 births per year occurring after 1968. In recent years, its usage has been quite low, with no more than 53 births annually since 2017. Overall, from 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 39,572 Essie births recorded.