ChristianNames.org Saved

Name at a glance

Esther

Esther is a biblical name often connected with star, though its origin is debated.

Ranked #119 in US baby names in 2025, peaked at #27 in 1896, rising over the past 5 years.

Esther is remembered in Christian reading as a queen whose courage helps protect her people in a dangerous moment.

Browse namesRead Esther's story
OriginPersian or related ancient Near Eastern origin
GenderGirl
FeelCourageous
PronunciationES-ter

Is Esther biblical?

Yes

Biblical status Direct biblical person

Esther is a named person in Scripture, the Jewish queen of Persia at the center of the Old Testament book that bears her name.

Is Esther a Christian name?

Yes

Christian tradition Foundational, across traditions

Esther has longstanding cross-tradition use as a classic Old Testament name used in Jewish and Christian naming for centuries.

Plain answer

Esther is a central Old Testament figure and a classic Christian name used across traditions for centuries.

Confidence Moderate Last reviewed July 19, 2026 How this works

Meaning

The meaning of Esther

Esther is often linked with the idea of a star, though the name's origin is debated. It may reflect Persian court culture more than a straightforward Hebrew root.

Sound

How to pronounce Esther

Phonetic
ES-ter
IPA
/ˈɛstəɹ/

2 syllables · stress: ES-ter · ends in a consonant

Forms

Variants and nicknames

Alternate spellings

  • Ester
  • Estera
  • Eszter
  • Esthera

Short forms and nicknames

  • Essie
  • Etty
  • Hetty

Languages

Esther in other languages

Hebrew
אֶסְתֵּרEster
Greek
ἘσθήρEsthēr
Latin
Esther
Spanish
Ester
French
Esther
German
Esther
Italian
Ester
Russian
ЭсфирьEsfir
Polish
Estera

Christian background

Christian and biblical background

Esther appears in the Old Testament book that bears her name. The book does not name God directly, but Christian readers often discuss it through providence, the idea that God can work through events even when he is not named on the surface.

Scripture

The biblical figure

In the Bible, Esther becomes queen of Persia and risks approaching the king to protect her people. Her story is one of courage, timing, and hidden providence.

Read the full story of Esther in the Bible

Bearers

Notable people named Esther

  • biblical

    EstherPersian queen and central figure of the Book of Esther, born Hadassah, who acts to save her people

  • historical

    Esther WilliamsAmerican competitive swimmer and MGM star of aquatic musicals, 1921 to 2013

  • historical

    Esther RolleAmerican actress known for the sitcom Good Times, 1920 to 1998

  • modern

    Esther WojcickiAmerican journalism teacher and education advocate, born 1941

Naming history

Naming tradition and history

Esther has been used in Jewish and Christian naming for centuries. In English-speaking Christian families, it became one of the classic Old Testament girls' names.

Recent US use

Esther in recent US use

Rank in 2025
#119
Peak rank
#27 in 1896
Recent trend
rising over the last 5 years
Years in the SSA records
146 (since 1880)

Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880-2025.

Sibling fit

Sibling name suggestions

For families

For families looking at Esther

For a Christian family, Esther signals courage, dignity, and a story about acting faithfully at the right time.

Common questions

What does Esther mean?

Esther is often connected with star, though its origin is debated.

Is Esther a biblical name?

Yes. Esther is the central figure in the Old Testament book of Esther.

Is Esther a Christian name?

Yes. Christians have long used Esther because of the biblical queen's courage and story.

Sources

Sources for Esther

  • A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, Brown, Driver, and BriggsSupports: etymology of the Hebrew Bible name (debated, often 'star'); meaning.
  • The Book of Esther, King James Version (KJV 1769)Supports: scripture context (Esther 4:14, 'for such a time as this'); biblical figure (queen of Persia).

Last reviewed July 19, 2026. See our methodology, or report an error on the corrections page.

Read next

Related names

MordecaiMordecai was Esther's older cousin who raised her after her parents' death and set in motion the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's decree. The two names are inseparable in the Book of Esther narrative.RuthAnother Old Testament woman whose courage shaped Israel's history; both Esther and Ruth have books named after them and decisions that bend the story.MaryAnother biblical woman whose consent at a pivotal moment shapes the narrative; Esther in the Persian court, Mary at the Annunciation.GraceEsther's Hebrew name was Hadassah; her favor with the king (Esther 5:2) is the dramatic instance of grace that saves her people.