The name Essie is a unique and charming one, with an intriguing origin and history that sets it apart from many other names.
Essie is derived from the French name Esmeralda, which means "emerald" in Spanish. The name Esmeralda was made popular by the French poet Jean-Baptiste Aline's novel "Esmeralda," published in 1796. In the novel, Esmeralda is a beautiful and virtuous young woman who captures the hearts of all who meet her.
Over time, the name Esmeralda has been shortened and adapted to various forms in different languages and cultures. One such adaptation is Essie, which is often associated with the United States, particularly among families of Irish descent. Despite its Irish association, Essie retains its French roots and Spanish meaning, adding a unique touch of international flavor to the name.
The name Essie has also been popularized by various notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of this name is Essie Mae Washington-Williams, an American journalist and author who gained notoriety for her book "Dear Senator: A Daughter's Memoir," which revealed her paternity to Strom Thurmond, a prominent United States politician.
In conclusion, the name Essie is a captivating choice with a rich history and international roots. Whether you're drawn to its unique sound, its connection to famous figures, or its enchanting meaning, Essie is a name that stands out from the crowd while still being approachable and endearing.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Essie has had varying popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest record of this name being given to newborns is in 1881 with only 5 births that year.
The popularity of the name Essie seemed to fluctuate significantly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the number of annual births ranging from a low of 5 to a high of 40. The peak in popularity occurred in 1919 when there were 40 recorded births.
However, after this peak, the popularity of the name Essie began to decline steadily. From 1920 onwards, the number of annual births dropped below 30 and continued to decrease over time. By the 1950s and 1960s, there were fewer than 10 births per year with this name.
The trend of decreasing popularity continued into the late 20th century, with only 5 recorded births each in 1982, 1983, and 1989. This suggests that the name Essie had become quite uncommon by this time.
In total, there have been 1212 births of girls named Essie in the United States since 1881. While this number may seem significant, it is important to consider the long period of time over which these births occurred. When considering the overall population growth and the increasing popularity of other names during this time, the popularity of Essie appears to have been quite limited.
Despite its fluctuating popularity, the name Essie remains a unique choice with a distinct historical presence in the United States. Parents who choose this name for their daughters may be drawn to its rarity or its connection to past generations.