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Esther

Girl name · 593 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Esther: 593 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 24 births in 1975.

The name Esther has ancient Persian origins, likely derived from the Old Persian word "star" or the Median "astra," meaning "star," though it is also associated with the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. Its most famous bearer is the biblical Queen Esther, the Jewish queen of King Ahasuerus of Persia who saved her people from genocide, celebrated annually at Purim. While no major towns or cities bear the name, the shared root with "star" links it to countless celestial place names across the globe, such as Star City or Stella. In Scotland, Esther has enjoyed steady but modest popularity since the 1970s, and its gentle, melodic sound often appeals to parents seeking a classic yet understated name with strong historical and spiritual resonance—it’s also a favourite in literature, featuring in works by George Eliot.