Esméralda is a unique and captivating name of Spanish origin that has been popularized by the French novelist Victor Hugo in his famous work "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame." The name Esmeralda translates to "Emerald" in English, which signifies beauty, purity, and rarity.
The story of Esmeralda begins in 15th-century Paris, where she is a beautiful Gypsy girl who becomes falsely accused of witchcraft and murder. Despite her tragic fate, Esmeralda remains a symbol of resilience, compassion, and grace under pressure. Her name has since become synonymous with the romanticized image of bohemian freedom and rebellion.
Throughout history, many famous figures have borne the name Esmeralda or variations thereof, such as Esmeralda Ruiz, an Argentine singer-songwriter known for her powerful ballads, and Esmeralda Santiago, a Puerto Rican-American author whose memoir "When I Was Puerto Rican" chronicles her journey from poverty to literary success.
In popular culture, Esmeralda has been portrayed in various adaptations of "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame," notably by Salma Hayek in the 1997 film and by Maude Adams in the original stage production. The name's unique sound and mystical undertones have made it a popular choice among parents seeking distinctive names for their daughters.
Although Esmeralda is more commonly found in Spanish-speaking countries, it has gained international recognition due to its literary roots and the allure of its meaning. Today, parents from diverse backgrounds continue to choose this enchanting name for their children, drawn to its combination of uniqueness, elegance, and strength.
The name Ezmerelda has seen varying popularity over the past two decades in the United States. Between 2004 and 2023, there have been a total of 89 babies born with this unique name.
The year with the highest number of births was 2023, with 13 newborns named Ezmerelda. This was followed by 2019 with 10 births, and 2015 with 11 births. The lowest points were in 2004 with only 6 births, a figure that was repeated in 2016 and 2017.
Overall, while Ezmerelda is not one of the most common names in the U.S., it has maintained a consistent presence among newborns since 2004.