Esmée is a unique and elegant name of Dutch origin. It is derived from the Dutch word "es" meaning "east," combined with the suffix "-me," which denotes beauty or grace. Therefore, Esmée means "beautiful east."
The name Esmée is believed to have been created by the Dutch poet Willem Bilderdijk in the 19th century for his daughter. He was inspired by the beauty of the eastern sky at sunrise and wanted to capture that essence in a name.
While Esmée may not be as widely recognized as some other names, it has gained popularity over time. In the Netherlands, where it originated, Esmée is considered a classic and timeless name. It has also been adopted by other countries, particularly in Scandinavia and Germany.
Today, Esmee continues to captivate with its unique sound and meaningful origin. It is often associated with sophistication, elegance, and a touch of mystery. As the name of a character or protagonist in various books, movies, and TV shows, Esmée has contributed to its growing popularity and recognition worldwide.
The name Esmée has seen a notable increase in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. With only five recorded births in the year 2000, it was quite uncommon at the start of the millennium.
However, by 2015, there were a significant number of babies named Esmée, with 59 births that year alone. This trend continued into subsequent years, reaching an all-time high of 78 births in 2019. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a global decline in birth rates, Esmée remained popular, with 61 babies named Esmée born in 2021.
In total, from 2000 to 2023, there have been 770 recorded births of girls named Esmée in the United States. This steady growth in popularity suggests that Esmée is a name that parents continue to favor and consider as an attractive choice for their daughters' names.
The fluctuating numbers from year to year can be attributed to various factors such as changing trends, cultural influences, or even regional preferences. Nevertheless, it's clear that the name Esmée has gained significant traction over time, establishing itself as a well-liked option among parents in the United States.