Adorable Middle Names for Esther (2023)
Esther is an old fashioned name with a strong religious connection to The Book of Esther in the Old Testament. Esther is one of the most memorable women from the Bible who is celebrated for her profound strength. With cute nicknames like Essie, Ettie, and Hettie , Esther might be the perfect name choice for you.
If you’re considering naming your daughter Esther, we’ve gathered the best middle names for Esther below.
Meaning of the Name Esther
There are a couple of theories as to where the name Esther derived from.
Some believe Esther is derived from the Old Persian word stāra. There are numerous suggested meanings to this word including “star,” “myrtle”, “secret,” or “hidden.”
Others believe that Esther comes from the Hebrew name Ishtar who was the goddess of love and sexuality in Babylonian mythology.
| Origin | Persian or Hebrew |
| Pronunciation | ess-ter |
Best Middle Names for Esther
Whether you’re looking for an old fashioned middle name or something more modern, we’ve put together a list of our favorites below.
- Esther Adele
- Esther Aileen
- Esther Alexandra
- Esther Anne
- Esther Arianna
- Esther Athena
- Esther Beatrix
- Esther Belle
- Esther Blaire
- Esther Blake
- Esther Briar
- Esther Brielle
- Esther Cadence
- Esther Cali
- Esther Capri
- Esther Celine
- Esther Claire
- Esther Colette
- Esther Cordelia
- Esther Danielle
- Esther Diane
- Esther Dior
- Esther Eleanor
- Esther Elise
- Esther Elizabeth
- Esther Emersyn
- Esther Eve
- Esther Faith
- Esther Fiorella
- Esther Gabrielle
- Esther Genevieve
- Esther Gianna
- Esther Giselle
- Esther Grace
- Esther Gwen
- Esther Harper
- Esther Harriet
- Esther Haze
- Esther Irene
- Esther Isabelle
- Esther Jade
- Esther Jane
- Esther Jaylee
- Esther Jean
- Esther Jeannine
- Esther Joelle
- Esther Joy
- Esther June
- Esther Kace
- Esther Kate
- Esther Kennedy
- Esther Kenzie
- Esther Lane
- Esther Leilani
- Esther Lillian
- Esther Luna
- Esther Lynne
- Esther Madeline
- Esther Mae
- Esther Maeve
- Esther Magnolia
- Esther Maud
- Esther Mirabel
- Esther Monroe
- Esther Nadine
- Esther Naomi
- Esther Nicole
- Esther Noelle
- Esther Nora
- Esther Olivia
- Esther Paige
- Esther Pearl
- Esther Pearlette
- Esther Petra
- Esther Piper
- Esther Priscilla
- Esther Quinn
- Esther Raegan
- Esther Raquel
- Esther Regina
- Esther Renee
- Esther Rhea
- Esther Rose
- Esther Rosemary
- Esther Ruth
- Esther Sage
- Esther Savannah
- Esther Scarlett
- Esther Shae
- Esther Sienna
- Esther Skye
- Esther Sloan
- Esther Sophia
- Esther Taylor
- Esther Tiana
- Esther Tatiana
- Esther Victoria
- Esther Violet
- Esther Willow
- Esther Wren
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How To Pick a Middle Name
Do You Need A Middle Name?
In short, no. You do not need to give your child a middle name. You can choose to only give your child a first name and last name. There are no laws or requirements in regard to middle names.
However, according to research in the European Journal of Social Psychology, using middle initials in your name increases people’s perception of your intelligence.
Providing your child with a middle name will help differentiate them from others who share their same name. It also gives them a second option. Some children choose to go by their middle names instead of their first names as they grow older.
We all know how important it is to find the perfect name for our children. But did you know that in some cultures, middle names can be used as a way to give your child an additional identity? A new connection with their family history or heritage.
Here we will explore the things you should consider when giving your children a middle name!
Family Names
A child’s middle name is a great way to honor a beloved family member. It could be someone who has passed or a living family member who means a lot to the parents. Middle names don’t need to be gender-specific, so this could be a good place to include male or female family members.
Some parents like to include family surnames, such as the mother’s maiden name, as a middle name. This allows both sides of the family to pass down their name to the child. Any name that is meaningful to the family can make a nice middle name.
Flow and Initials
Probably the most important thing parents think of when choosing their child’s name is how it all sounds together. The first, middle, and last name should flow nicely together.
Many popular middle names are short, one or two syllable names because they pair well with most first names.
If family members speak another language or have an accent, take into consideration how everyone will be pronouncing the names when determining how they fit together
Monograms are popular in Southern culture, but it is still helpful to consider your child’s initials regardless of where you live.
Monograms for women are typically in the order of first name initial, large last name initial, and then middle name initial.
For men, the initials are usually in order of first, middle, and then last name. Avoid spelling out unfortunate words with the initials.
Middle names and their initials can also be used for nicknames. For example, Mary Elizabeth can be shortened to Mary Beth. Or, Elizabeth Zoe can be shortened to the initials E. Z. As a nickname.
If you just can’t narrow it down to a first name and a middle name, you can always include multiple middle names. In the United States, most people only have one middle name, but it is common around the world to have two or more.
It is recommended not to add too many middle names though. Most paperwork only leaves a spot for a single middle name or initial and multiple names can lead to confusion.
Special Meanings
A child’s middle name is a great way to pay homage to anything that holds special meaning to the parents. Some inspiration for names includes:
- Influential people in your life
- Characters from books, movies, or television
- Locations that hold memories
- Languages that are important to the family
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First Name for Middle Name Esther
If you’re considering Esther as a middle name, we’ve searched for some great first name options and listed them below.
- Abigail Esther
- Adeline Esther
- Alana Esther
- Alessandra Esther
- Allison Esther
- Anastasia Esther
- Audrina Esther
- Bailey Esther
- Beatrice Esther
- Bianca Esther
- Bridget Esther
- Camilla Esther
- Carolina Esther
- Cecilia Esther
- Charlotte Esther
- Delaney Esther
- Diana Esther
- Edith Esther
- Elaina Esther
- Eliza Esther
- Emilia Esther
- Emory Esther
- Felicity Esther
- Fiona Esther
- Gabriella Esther
- Genevieve Esther
- Georgina Esther
- Gracelyn Esther
- Hallie Esther
- Harlow Esther
- Hazel Esther
- Isabella Esther
- Isla Esther
- Jada Esther
- Joanna Esther
- Josephine Esther
- Juliana Esther
- Katherine Esther
- Keira Esther
- Kennedy Esther
- Kimberly Esther
- Leah Esther
- Leona Esther
- Lilah Esther
- Lilian Esther
- Lydia Esther
- Magnolia Esther
- Margaret Esther
- Miriam Esther
- Nadia Esther
- Natalia Esther
- Ophelia Esther
- Paisley Esther
- Penelope Esther
- Phoebe Esther
- Poppy Esther
- Rachel Esther
- Regina Esther
- Ruthanne Esther
- Savannah Esther
- Scarlett Esther
- Selena Esther
- Sophia Esther
- Tabitha Esther
- Taylor Esther
- Trinity Esther
- Victoria Esther
- Vivienne Esther
Nicknames for Esther
- Essa
- Essie
- Estee
- Esti
- Etta
- Etti
- Ettie
- Hester
- Hettie
- Hetty
- Tess
Variations of Esther
- Hester (Biblical Latin)
- Ester (Danish, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish)
- Essie, Esta, Ettie, Etty (English)
- Esteri (Finnish)
- Estée (French)
- Eistir (Irish)
- Estee (Jewish)
Names Similar to Esther
- Ada
- Agatha
- Agnes
- Alice
- Anna
- Astrid
- Beatrice
- Blanche
- Celeste
- Constance
- Donna
- Dorothy
- Edith
- Edna
- Elizabeth
- Estelle
- Florence
- Francis
- Gladys
- Glenda
- Greta
- Gretchen
- Hannah
- Harriet
- Helen
- Irene
- Iris
- Lilith
- Lillian
- Mabel
- Maisie
- Martha
- Mary
- Miriam
- Olive
- Pearl
- Rachel
- Rebecca
- Ruth
- Sarah
- Shannon
- Sharon
- Sophia
- Susanna
- Tabitha
- Theodora
- Vera
Sibling Boy Names that go with Esther
- Esther and Aiden
- Esther and Alexander
- Esther and Arthur
- Esther and Ashton
- Esther and Avery
- Esther and Benjamin
- Esther and Bentley
- Esther and Braxton
- Esther and Charles
- Esther and Christopher
- Esther and David
- Esther and Dominic
- Esther and Edward
- Esther and Elijah
- Esther and Ezekiel
- Esther and Franklin
- Esther and George
- Esther and Harrison
- Esther and Henry
- Esther and Isaac
- Esther and Jameson
- Esther and Jeremiah
- Esther and John
- Esther and Kenneth
- Esther and Kingston
- Esther and Leonardo
- Esther and Lucas
- Esther and Matthew
- Esther and Matteo
- Esther and Michael
- Esther and Nathaniel
- Esther and Nicholas
- Esther and Oliver
- Esther and Parker
- Esther and Preston
- Esther and Robert
- Esther and Roman
- Esther and Samuel
- Esther and Sebastian
- Esther and Silas
- Esther and Theodore
- Esther and Thomas
- Esther and Vincent
- Esther and Wesley
- Esther and William
Sibling Girl Names that go with Esther
- Esther and Abigail
- Esther and Allison
- Esther and Alice
- Esther and Amelia
- Esther and Aurora
- Esther and Beatrice
- Esther and Brielle
- Esther and Camila
- Esther and Charlotte
- Esther and Clara
- Esther and Delilah
- Esther and Eden
- Esther and Edith
- Esther and Eleanor
- Esther and Elizabeth
- Esther and Everly
- Esther and Faith
- Esther and Grace
- Esther and Hannah
- Esther and Iris
- Esther and Isabelle
- Esther and Josephine
- Esther and Juliet
- Esther and Kennedy
- Esther and Kylie
- Esther and Leah
- Esther and Lily
- Esther and Lucy
- Esther and Mabel
- Esther and Margaret
- Esther and Melanie
- Esther and Natalie
- Esther and Olivia
- Esther and Penelope
- Esther and Piper
- Esther and Ruby
- Esther and Ruth
- Esther and Samantha
- Esther and Sarah
- Esther and Scarlett
- Esther and Sloane
- Esther and Sophie
- Esther and Tabitha
- Esther and Violet
- Esther and Whitney
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History of the Name Esther
The Book of Esther in the Old Testament describes the story of Queen Esther. She was the Jewish wife of the king of Persia during the 5th century B.C. Her real name is Hadassah, but this name was only mentioned once in Esther 2:7 before being permanently changed to Esther.
Haman, the king’s advisor, suggests that the king should exterminate all the Jews in the kingdom. Esther’s cousin Mordecai warns her of the King’s plan so she reveals her Jewish ancestry to the King and convinces him to execute Haman instead.
Esther is celebrated during the Jewish holiday known as Purim for her courageous acts.
Ruth and Esther are the only two women who have Biblical books named after them.
The name Esther has been in the English speaking world as a given name since the Protestant Reformation
According to the Social Security Administration, Esther was at her height when the government started recording in the late 19th century. She remained a top 50 girl’s name until 1924 and a top 100 girl’s name until 1936. Part of the popularity of the name is due to the birth of President Grover Cleveland’s daughter Esther in 1893.
The name slowly declined in popularity on the charts moving in and out of the top 300 to top 400 spots. In 2016, Esther had reached a top 200 girl’s name spot once again.
As of 2021, Esther ranks as the 156th most popular girl’s name in the United States
Famous People with the Name Esther
| Esther | Jewish Queen of Persia |
| Esther Allen | a 19th century American author |
| Esther Baldwin | known as “Chinese Champion” she was an American missionary, teacher, translator, writer, and editor |
| Esther Blake | first woman in the United States Air Force |
| Esther Canada | American actress in the film The Thomas Crown Affair |
| Esther “Essie” Davis | Australian actress on the television series Game of Thrones |
| Esther Ralston | American silent film actress |
| Esther Rolle | American actress in the television series Maude and Good times |
| Esther Schmucker | daughter of television personalities Chester and Mary Schmucker in Breaking Amish |
| Esther Williams | American swimmer and actress in the films A Guy Named Joe, Fiesta, and numerous aquamusicals |
Fictional Characters Named Esther
| Esther | a character in the film Orphan |
| Esther Bloom | a character in the British soap opera Hollyoaks |
| Esther Clavin | a character on the television series Cheers |
| Esther Drummond | a character on the television series Torchwood |
| Esther Mikaelson | a character on the television series Vampire Diaries and The Originals |
| Esther Smith | a character in the film Meet Me in St. Louis |
| Esther Summerson | a character in the novel Bleak House by Charles Dickens |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nickname for Esther?
The name Esther comes with many cute nickname options. Essie, Estee, and Ettie are the most common and popular nicknames for Esther. Other pet names include Essa, Etta, Hester, Hettie, and Tess.
Is Esther short for Elizabeth?
No, Esther is not short for Elizabeth. Esther is a stand alone given name that dates back to the 5th century B.C.
Is Esther an old fashioned name?
Dating back to the 5th century B.C., Esther is an old fashioned name that became a common given name after the Protestant Reformation. Although this name has more of an old-fashioned sound than other turn-of-the-century names, it has remained a top 400 girl’s name in the United States since the late 19th century. The least popular year was in 1970 as the 348th most popular girl’s name.
Final Thoughts on Middle Names for Esther
Esther is a religious name that has stood the test of time. Keeping a moderate level of popularity over the years on the baby naming charts, parents continue to return to this old fashioned name.
If you’re considering Esther as a name for your baby girl, we hope our list of middle name ideas has been useful.
MORE MIDDLE NAME IDEAS
Now that you’ve seen all the middle name ideas for Esther, you might want to check out some middle name ideas for these similar names!
- Middle Names for Ada
- Middle Names for Alice
- Middle Names for Elizabeth
- Middle Names for Mabel
- Middle Names for Margaret
If you’re looking for more middle name ideas, you can find all our lists in our Middle Names section.
For more baby name ideas and inspiration head over to our Baby Names section.
Krissy lives in California with her family of three that make up “The Hadicks.” With a passion for research and helping others, The Hadicks was developed as a resource for other parents and parents-to-be!