Esme Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Esme Name Meaning

Fact: Esme gained significant popularity from J.D. Salinger’s short story “For Esmé—with Love and Squalor,” published in 1950. The story features a young girl named Esmé, who leaves a lasting impression on a soldier.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Esme Overview

Meaning

Esteemed, beloved

Gender

Girl

Origin

French

Etymology

Derived from the Old French verb “esmer,” meaning “to esteem” or “to love.”​

Pronunciation

/ˈɛz.meɪ/

Popularity

Esme is particularly popular in the UK and other English-speaking countries. In the USA, Esme ranked 325th for girls in 2023​.

Syllable

1 syllable

Length

4 letters

Numerology

6 (Nurturing, Responsible, Balanced)

Name Styles

Exotic, Vintage, Unique

Associated Traits

Elegant, gentle, enchanting, artistic

Name Day

May 3rd (Greek)
A Deep Dive

Esme Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Esmée, Ismay, Esmae, Esmé, Esmee, Esmera, Esmeralda, Ismene

Common Nicknames

Em, Mae-Mae, Mimi, Simi, Mae, Ess

Diminutives

Es, Esi, Essie, Emmy

Famous People

  • Esme Bianco
    (British Actress)
  • Esme Creed-Miles
    (British Actress)
  • Esme Tseng
    (American Activist)
  • Esme Weijun Wang
    (American Author)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Esme Cullen
    ("Twilight," Film Series)
  • "Esme & Roy"
    (TV Series)
  • Esme Squalor
    ("A Series of Unfortunate Events," Novel Series)
  • Esme Cuckoo
    ("X-Men," Comic Series)

Places

  • Esme Road
    (Western Cape, South Africa)

What Is the Meaning of Esme?

Esme means “beloved” or “esteemed,” capturing a sense of deep affection and high regard. People with this name are usually described as loving, kind, and valued by those around them.

What Is the Origin of The Name Esme?

Esme comes from the Old French word “esmé,” which means “esteemed” or “loved.” It was originally used as a nickname in medieval times and has evolved into a standalone name.

Esme Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Esme in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#3772021#3052022#3252023
Top 3 Rankings#3052022#3252023#3772021

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Esme

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023325
(-20 from 2022)
944
(-106 from 2022)
0.05397
2022305
(+72 from 2021)
1050
(+224 from 2021)
0.05856
2021377
(+18 from 2020)
826
(+39 from 2020)
0.04610
2020395
(+32 from 2019)
787
(+44 from 2019)
0.04452
2019427
(+119 from 2018)
743
(+178 from 2018)
0.04049
2018546
(+39 from 2017)
565
(+52 from 2017)
0.03038
2017585
(+97 from 2016)
513
(+82 from 2016)
0.02715
2016682
(-3 from 2015)
431
(+12 from 2015)
0.02226
2015679
(+133 from 2014)
419
(+77 from 2014)
0.02148
2014812
(+114 from 2013)
342
(+68 from 2013)
0.01748
2013926
(+49 from 2012)
274
(+14 from 2012)
0.01421
2012975
(+2 from 2011)
260
(-2 from 2011)
0.01341
2011977
(-52 from 2010)
262
(-18 from 2010)
0.01352
2010925
(+138 from 2009)
280
(+40 from 2009)
0.01428
20091063
(+445 from 2008)
240
(+86 from 2008)
0.01185
20081508
(+431 from 2007)
154
(+48 from 2007)
0.00739
20071939
(-22 from 2006)
106
(+1 from 2006)
0.00501
20061917
(+607 from 2005)
105
(+37 from 2005)
0.00502
20052524
(-216 from 2004)
68
(-7 from 2004)
0.00335
20042308
(-65 from 2003)
75
(-1 from 2003)
0.00372
20032243
(+136 from 2002)
76
(+9 from 2002)
0.00379
20022379
(+877 from 2001)
67
(+25 from 2001)
0.00339
20013256
(+408 from 2000)
42
(+7 from 2000)
0.00212
20003664
(-729 from 1999)
35
(-10 from 1999)
0.00175
19992935
(+979 from 1998)
45
(+16 from 1998)
0.00231
19983914
(+745 from 1997)
29
(+7 from 1997)
0.00150
19974659
(+406 from 1996)
22
(+3 from 1996)
0.00115
19965065
(+155 from 1995)
19
(+1 from 1995)
0.00099
19955220
(-204 from 1994)
18
(-1 from 1994)
0.00094
19945016
(+939 from 1993)
19
(+4 from 1993)
0.00097
19935955
(+4522 from 1992)
15
(+8 from 1992)
0.00076
199210477
(-1141 from 1991)
7
(-1 from 1991)
0.00035
19919336
(+857 from 1990)
8
(+1 from 1990)
0.00039
199010193
(+2166 from 1989)
7
(+2 from 1989)
0.00034
198912359
(-3969 from 1988)
5
(-3 from 1988)
0.00025
19888390
(-403 from 1987)
8
No change from 1987
0.00042
19877987
(-855 from 1986)
8
(-1 from 1986)
0.00043
19867132
(+3545 from 1985)
9
(+4 from 1985)
0.00049
198510677
(-256 from 1984)
5
No change from 1984
0.00027
198410421
(-1406 from 1983)
5
(-1 from 1983)
0.00028
19839015
(-1547 from 1982)
6
(-2 from 1982)
0.00034
19827468
(-2937 from 1981)
8
(-8 from 1981)
0.00044
19814531
(+5860 from 1980)
16
(+11 from 1980)
0.00089
198010391
(-2234 from 1976)
5
(-1 from 1976)
0.00028
19790
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19780
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19770
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19768157
(-174 from 1975)
6
No change from 1975
0.00038
19757983
(+337 from 1971)
6
(+1 from 1971)
0.00038
19740
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19730
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19720
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19718320
(-1752 from 1961)
5
No change from 1961
0.00029
19700
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19690
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19680
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19670
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19660
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19650
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19640
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19630
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19620
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19616568
(-894 from 1953)
5
No change from 1953
0.00024
19600
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19590
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19580
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19570
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19560
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19550
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19540
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19535674
(-1424 from 1939)
5
No change from 1939
0.00026
19520
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19510
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19500
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19490
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19480
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19470
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19450
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19430
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19394250
(-1063 from 1913)
5
No change from 1913
0.00044
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19133187
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00076
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Esme

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#3162021#2532022#2822023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#2912021#2272022#2152023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#5482021#4692022#4292023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#2562021#1302022#1742023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#4162021#3662022#5002023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#2742021#2402022#1992023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#2992021#2642022#3582023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#3932021#2362022#3052023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#2442021#1852022#2152023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#3302021#2752022#2362023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#4792021#3572022#3722023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#2652021#2012022#2902023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#2352021#1802022#1792023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#2722021#2702022#2192023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#3352021#2742022#2702023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#3622021#3412022#3222023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#5362021#4752022#3882023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#4392021#2732022#3882023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#4652021#3642022#4292023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#5572021#4982022#6582023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#5412021#3372022#4782023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#7182021#3822022#6252023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#3872021#3752022#6132023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#7332021#3672022#6232023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#1762021#3242022#2202023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#4032021#2962022#1802023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#4452020#2612022#3262023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#2072021#2332022#1822023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#4742021#3582022#3952023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#4052021#4202022#4892023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#5272020#3202022#3282023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#2822020#2032022#2202023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#4462021#7662022#6452023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3132020#3272022#2602023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#722021#1062022#2152023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#4332020#3032022#3092023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1102021#1872022#1472023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#2132020#1402022#1752023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1922016#2312020#1042023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1672019#1682021#2472023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#2442020#3432021#2732023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2322015#2132018#1492020

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1282018#932020

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1412022#1752023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1502022#1902023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#8562019#8622023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#4722022

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#532022

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1362023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#5762021

Popularity Rankings for Esme in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#422021#332022#332023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#432019#422020#462021

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#752021#982022#662023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#1322021#1352022#1242023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#1722021#1402022#1482023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#4442021#3392022#2022023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#4952020#4662021#4032022

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#6582017#6032019

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#6982023

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#9422019

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Esme a Name for Boys or Girls?

While Esme is now mainly associated with girls, its origins as a French unisex name mean it can suit any child. Its current popularity for girls emphasizes its sweet and elegant appeal.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Esme

Esme in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Esme Bianco (Actress, born 1982): A British actress recognized for her role in the TV series "Game of Thrones."
  • Esme Creed-Miles (Actress, born 2000): A British actress known for her lead role in the Amazon series "Hanna."
  • Esme Tseng (Activist, 1992–2010): An American mental health advocate who inspired many through her writing and advocacy work.
  • Esme Weijun Wang (Author, born 1984): An American author celebrated for her memoir "The Collected Schizophrenias."
  • Esme Mackinnon (Skier, 1913–1999): A British alpine skier who became the first woman to win both the downhill and slalom at the World Championships.
  • Esme Young (Fashion Designer, born 1949): A British fashion designer and television personality on "The Great British Sewing Bee."
  • Esme Cullen ("Twilight," 2008 Film Series): A compassionate vampire who is the adoptive mother of the Cullen family.
  • "Esme & Roy" (2018 TV Series): A young girl who, along with her monster friend Roy, helps other monsters with their problems.
  • Esme Squalor ("A Series of Unfortunate Events," 1999 Novel Series): A wealthy and fashion-obsessed villain who complicates the lives of the Baudelaire orphans.
  • Esme Cuckoo ("X-Men," 2001 Comic Series): One of the Stepford Cuckoos, a group of powerful telepathic clones.
  • "Esme's Wish" (2017 Video Game): A fantasy adventure game where a young girl named Esme searches for her missing mother.
  • Esme Weatherwax ("Discworld," 1983 Novel Series by Terry Pratchett): A powerful and no-nonsense witch known for her wisdom and strength.
  • Esme City (Afyonkarahisar Province, Turkey): A small city in western Turkey, surrounded by scenic countryside and rich in history.
  • Esme Lake (Saskatchewan, Canada): A freshwater lake located in the central part of Saskatchewan, popular for fishing and boating.
  • Esme Island (Queensland, Australia): A small, picturesque island located off the coast of Queensland, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
  • Esme Park (Cape Town, South Africa): A public park in Cape Town offering green spaces, walking paths, and recreational facilities.
  • Esme River (Baden-Württemberg, Germany): A river flowing through the southwestern part of Germany, contributing to the scenic landscapes of the region.
  • Esme Road (Western Cape, South Africa): A residential street in the suburb of Claremont, known for its quiet environment and beautiful homes.

Similar Names to Esme

Sibling Names for Esme

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Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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