Hester is a unique and elegant female given name of Hebrew origin. It means "good pleasure" or "delight," which makes it a wonderful choice for parents looking for a meaningful and beautiful name for their daughter.
The name Hester has a rich history, dating back to the Old Testament in the Bible. In the Book of Esther, the main character, Queen Esther, was chosen by King Ahasuerus to be his new wife due to her beauty and charm. She eventually played a crucial role in saving the Jewish people from annihilation by Haman, a wicked official.
Throughout history, the name Hester has been associated with intelligence, bravery, and wisdom. In the 19th century, the British writer Charlotte Brontë used the name for the protagonist of her novel "Jane Eyre." In this story, the character Jane Eyre is an orphan who grows up to become a governess and eventually marries Mr. Rochester.
Today, Hester continues to be a popular choice among parents who appreciate its unique sound and rich history. It remains a timeless name that evokes images of elegance, intelligence, and courage. While it may not be as commonly used as some other Hebrew names like Sarah or Rachel, Hester is still a beautiful and meaningful option for those looking for something special.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe the trend of the name Hester's popularity over time in the United States.
From 1880 to around 1920, the number of babies named Hester consistently increased. The peak year for this period was 1915 with 359 births, indicating that Hester was quite popular during this era.
However, from 1924 onwards, there was a steady decline in the popularity of the name Hester. This decrease is gradual but noticeable. For instance, in 1926, there were 274 babies named Hester, which dropped to 5 births in 2023.
It's also worth noting that after 1988, the number of babies named Hester has remained quite low, fluctuating between 5 and 13 births per year. This suggests that the name Hester is no longer widely used or considered trendy among parents in recent decades.
In total, over the years from 1880 to 2023, there were a combined 14,221 babies named Hester born in the United States. Despite the decline in popularity in recent times, this figure demonstrates that the name Hester has been used consistently throughout history and remains present in American naming culture today, albeit infrequently.