Esma is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the word "asmaa" which means "to listen". It is often used as a feminine given name and is popular among Muslims around the world.
The name Esma gained prominence in history through Esma Sultan, who was a member of the Ottoman imperial household. She was born in 1872 and was the daughter of Abdul Hamid II, the last caliph of the Ottoman Empire. Esma Sultan was known for her beauty, intelligence, and kindness, and she is remembered as one of the most notable figures of the Ottoman era.
In addition to its historical significance, the name Esma has a beautiful meaning that makes it appealing to many parents. Its association with listening suggests a person who is attentive, receptive, and open-minded. This positive connotation can make Esma a meaningful choice for a child's name.
Overall, Esma is a lovely and significant name with roots in Arabic culture and history. It offers a unique blend of meaning and elegance that can be passed down through generations.
Based on the statistics provided, it appears that the name Esma has seen varying levels of popularity over the past century and a half in the United States. The earliest recorded birth with the name Esma was in 1890, with only eight occurrences.
Throughout the early to mid-20th century, the popularity of the name remained relatively low, oscillating between five to nineteen births per year. However, starting in the late 1970s and particularly from the late 1990s onwards, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Esma.
In the early 2000s, the popularity of the name began to rise steadily, with more than ten births per year occurring consistently since 2004. This trend continued into the 2010s and beyond, with the highest recorded number of births in a single year being 39 in 2019.
Overall, from 1890 to 2023, there have been a total of 854 babies named Esma born in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name may not have always been extremely popular, it has maintained a consistent presence and has experienced notable growth in popularity in recent decades.
It is encouraging to see that parents continue to choose this name for their children, as it reflects a degree of uniqueness while still being recognizable and pronounceable. As with any name, the popularity of Esma may fluctuate over time, but its current trend suggests that it will remain a common choice among parents in the United States for years to come.