Esther is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin. It comes from the Hebrew word "Ḥêṣer," which means "star." In the Bible, Esther was a Jewish queen who lived in Persia during the time of King Ahasuerus (who is believed to be Xerxes I). She played a crucial role in saving her people from annihilation, as recounted in the Book of Esther.
The name Esther has been used throughout history and across various cultures. In addition to its biblical origins, it has also become popular among other religious communities, such as those within the Christian faith. Today, Esther remains a timeless classic and continues to be bestowed upon newborn girls by parents who appreciate its rich history and meaningful origin.
Some notable figures with the name Esther include Esther Rauschel (a German operatic soprano), Esther Williams (an American swimming champion turned actress), and Esther Rolle (an American stage, film, and television actress). Each of these women has made significant contributions in their respective fields, adding to the legacy and prestige of the name Esther.
Overall, Esther is a classic feminine given name with deep roots in Hebrew culture. Its association with the biblical queen and its meaning "star" contribute to its enduring popularity among parents looking for a meaningful and memorable name for their daughters.
The name Ester has a fascinating history when it comes to its popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. In 1881, there were only 6 babies named Ester, but by 1890, that number had more than tripled to 25 births.
From 1892 onwards, we start to see a significant increase in the popularity of the name Ester, with 35 births recorded in that year. This trend continued throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, peaking at 240 births in 1919.
However, after this peak, we see a gradual decline in the popularity of the name Ester. By 1932, there were only 147 babies named Ester born that year. This downward trend continued throughout the mid-20th century, reaching its lowest point at just 56 births in 1984.
Despite this decline, Ester has managed to maintain some level of popularity. In recent years, we have seen a resurgence in its popularity, with 158 births recorded in 2023 alone. This shows that while the name Ester may not be as popular as it once was, it still holds significance and is chosen by parents for their newborn daughters.
Overall, these statistics tell an interesting story about the ebb and flow of popularity of the name Ester over time in the United States. While it may not be a highly popular name at present, its history demonstrates that it has been, and continues to be, a meaningful choice for many families.