Esther
Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings
How to pronounce the name Esther
Pronunciation guide for Esther
ARPA
EH1 S T ER0
IPA
ˈɛstər
Pronunciation Breakdown
Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Esther
Syllables (2)
EH1 S T ER0
Bold syllables indicate primary stress
Sound Breakdown
EH1
Ed (ɛ)S
sea (s)T
tea (t)ER0
hurt (ɝ)International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
ˈɛstər
Standard international representation
Pronunciation Tips
• Esther has 2 syllables. Take your time with each part.
• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.
Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Esther
Structure
Character Count
6
Syllable Count
2
Vowel Ratio
33%
Name Family
esth
Usability
Pronunciation Difficulty5/10
Moderate difficulty
International Friendliness10/10
Works well across languages
DNA profile of the name Esther
Unique character and personality of the name Esther
Name Personality
The Global
Global
Adaptable
Modern
Key Characteristics
Length
Medium
Balanced and versatile
Rhythm
Flowing
Balanced rhythm
Sound
Strong
Consonant-rich and crisp
Ease
Moderate
May require practice
Global
Universal
Works across cultures
Heritage
esth
Part of this name family
Letter Frequency
e×2
s×1
t×1
Most frequent letters in Esther
Visual Pattern
Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants
Name Statistics
📊
Syllables
2 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Moderate
5/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison
How does Esther compare to the average name?
Esther5/10 😐
5.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0
Esther is average difficulty.
Difficulty Scale:
Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)
Moderate (4–6)← Esther
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨👩👧👦Name Family
Names related to Esther (root: esth)
Current Name
Esther
Related Names (15)
Short variations:
Estha
Esta
Medium variations:
Esthel
Esthela
Estaban
Estacia
Estafani
Long variations:
Esthefani
Esthefania
Esthefany
Esther-joy
Estherlene
Esthermae
Estabanez
Estafania
Esther belongs to a family of 30 related names.Showing 15 most common variations.
What does the name Esther mean?
The meaning and origin of Esther
Historical Reference
noun 1. (Old Testament) a beautiful Jewess chosen by the king of Persia to be his queen; she stopped a plot to massacre all the Jews in Persia (an event celebrated by Jews as the feast of Purim)
Historical Reference
noun 2. an Old Testament book telling of a beautiful Jewess who became queen of Persia and saved her people from massacre
Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Esther's meanings
Primary Theme
✨
Aspirational
Conveys strength, nobility, or divine favor
Theme Distribution
Aspirational
1
Key Themes
beautiful
king
queen;
celebrated
queen
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Esther
Life Path Number
3
The Creative
Creative spirits who bring joy and inspiration through self-expression.
Expressive
Social
Artistic
Joyful
Most Common Letters
e×2
s×1
t×1
h×1
r×1
Sound Composition
Vowels
2(33%)
Consonants
4(67%)
Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong
Numerology Breakdown
e5
s1
t2
h8
e5
r9
Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.
Notable People Named Esther
Famous individuals named Esther
👤
Esther Newberg
American literary agent
👤
Esther Salas
American judge
Born: 1968
👤
Esther Tomljanovich
American judge
Born: 1931
👤
Esther Kinsky
German writer and translator
Born: 1956
Where is Esther popular?
Countries where Esther ranks in the top baby names
How popular is the name Esther?
Popularity rankings and trends for Esther around the world
Esther Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for boys named Esther
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Esther Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for girls named Esther
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Country Comparison
How Esther ranks across different countries
Showing top 9 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)
Parents who like Esther also like these names
Names similar to Esther in style, sound, and origin
What words rhyme with the name Esther?
Rhyming words for Esther
amvestor
bester
brester
chester
ester
fester
hester
investor
ivester
jester
kester
leicester
lester
mclester
mester
mestre
molester
nester
nestor
pester
Frequently Asked Questions
How popular is Esther in Canada?
Esther is moderately popular in Canada as of 1935, ranking at #92. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Esther in Denmark?
Esther is quite popular in Denmark as of 2018, ranking at #27. It ranks in the top 50 girls' names.
How popular is Esther in France?
Esther is used but uncommon in France as of 2018, ranking at #299. While it is used as a girls' name, it's relatively uncommon.
How popular is Esther in Netherlands?
Esther is used but uncommon in Netherlands as of 2019, ranking at #262. While it is used as a girls' name, it's relatively uncommon.
How popular is Esther in New Zealand?
Esther is moderately popular in New Zealand as of 2024, ranking at #92. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Esther in Spain?
Esther is moderately popular in Spain as of 2010, ranking at #95. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Esther in Sweden?
Esther is moderately popular in Sweden as of 2019, ranking at #51. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Esther in United Kingdom?
Esther is somewhat popular in United Kingdom as of 2018, ranking at #173. It ranks in the top 200 girls' names.
How popular is Esther in United States?
Esther is somewhat popular in United States as of 2018, ranking at #153. It ranks in the top 200 girls' names.
How do you pronounce Esther?
IPA: /ˈɛstər/ ARPA: EH1 S T ER0 This name has a moderate pronunciation difficulty.
How many syllables are in Esther?
Esther has 2 syllables.
Is Esther easy to pronounce?
Esther has moderate pronunciation difficulty. Some people may need to hear it a few times to get it right.
Is Esther easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Esther is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
Who are some famous people named Esther?
There are 100 notable people named Esther. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to Esther?
Names similar to Esther include: Estha, Esthefani, Esthefania, Esthefany, Esthel. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Esther a good baby name?
Esther is a good baby name, particularly if you value names that are internationally friendly.
Is Esther a boy or girl name?
Esther can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Esther?
The name is spelled E-s-t-h-e-r. Common spelling variations include: Estha, Esthefani, Esthefania.
What are common nicknames for Esther?
Common nicknames for Esther include: Est, Esthy, Estie. Nicknames often develop naturally based on personal preference and family traditions.
What does the name Esther mean?
The name Esther means "Esther n 1: (Old Testament) a beautiful Jewess chosen by the king of Persia to be his queen; she stopped a plot to massacre all the Jews in Persia (an event celebrated by Jews as the feast of Purim) 2: an Old Testament book telling of a beautiful Jewess who became queen of Persia and saved her people from massacre [syn: {Esther}, {Book of Esther}]." This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Esther?
Middle names that pair well with Esther include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Esther?
Sibling names that pair well with Esther include: Estha, Esthefani, Esthefania, Esthefany. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Esther?
Most teachers will be able to pronounce Esther correctly after hearing it once or twice. It's relatively phonetic and doesn't contain unusual sound combinations. You may need to provide pronunciation guidance at the start of each school year.
What culture is the name Esther from?
Esther has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
Is Esther suitable for a professional career?
Esther is well-suited for professional contexts. It's internationally friendly for global careers and appropriate length for business cards and email addresses. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is Esther a long or short name?
Esther is a short name with 6 letters (2 syllables). Short names are practical and easy to use in everyday contexts. They rarely need nicknames.
What are common misspellings of Esther?
Common spelling variations of Esther include: Estha, Esthel, Esthela. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Esther and Estha?
Esther and Estha are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Esther is spelled Esther while Estha is spelled Estha. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.