Girl · 322nd of 9,107
Hester
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
14,759
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1918
Peak Popularity Year
407
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Hester stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Hester is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'star', derived from the biblical name Esther. It evolved through various languages, including Latin and Old French. The name is associated with strong traits and has biblical significance through its connection to Esther in the Hebrew Bible. It gained popularity during the Protestant Reformation and has a classic image today, with notable figures such as Hester Prynne and Hester Thrale bearing the name.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈhɛstər/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
Hester is derived from the Hebrew name Esther, which means 'star'. The name is associated with the biblical figure Esther, who was a Jewish queen of Persia.
Meaning
star
Language Evolution
Esther (Hebrew), Hester (Latin, Old French)
Biblical Background
Hester is directly related to the biblical character Esther, who is central to the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Protestant Reformation, influenced by the biblical Esther.
Variants & Derivatives
Esther, Hesther, Hestia
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Hester is seen as a classic name, often associated with strength and resilience due to its biblical roots. It is less common than Esther but retains a vintage charm.
Famous People
Hester Prynne (fictional character from Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter'), Hester Thrale (18th-century writer and conversationalist)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 407 peak births in 1918
Geographic Spread
Popular across 30 US states, with strongest presence in West Virginia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
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 11 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1833rd of 7545 | 287 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2458th of 6773 | 175 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4568th of 7552 | 46 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 10718th of 10718 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 322nd of 9107 | 7,190 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 570th of 9204 | 2,685 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1220th of 12526 | 1,366 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2970th of 19264 | 382 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 6689th of 27321 | 182 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 23498th of 35406 | 25 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 24576th of 30306 | 12 |