Girl · 485th of 30,306
Esme
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
9,885
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2022
Peak Popularity Year
1,052
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Esme stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Esme is a name of Old French origin meaning 'esteemed' or 'beloved.' It evolved from 'esmer' in Old French to its current form in Modern English. The name has been linked to nobility and literature, gaining popularity in the 16th century. It is perceived as stylish and elegant, with a unique appeal. There is no notable biblical background associated with this name.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɛz.meɪ/
Origin
Old French
Etymology
Esme is derived from the Old French term 'esmer,' which means 'to esteem' or 'to love.' It has evolved over time to become a given name.
Meaning
Esteemed, beloved
Language Evolution
Old French: esmer, Middle English: Esme, Modern English: Esme
Historical Usage
The name Esme gained popularity in the 16th century, particularly in Scotland, due to its association with nobility and literature.
Variants & Derivatives
Esme, Esmé
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Esme is perceived as a stylish and elegant name, often associated with charm and sophistication. It remains relatively uncommon, giving it a unique appeal.
Famous People
Esme Bianco, an English actress and model, Esme Weatherwax, a fictional character in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,052 peak births in 2022
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in Oregon
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 1 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 8 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 20190th of 23106 | 10 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 9107th of 9107 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 9204th of 9204 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 11010th of 12526 | 10 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 13005th of 19264 | 22 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 7211th of 27321 | 163 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1717th of 35406 | 1,866 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 485th of 30306 | 7,804 |