The nameEsme
Esme is a girl's name from an old French word meaning "loved" or "esteemed". It is well liked in England and Wales.
- Girl's name
- French
Meaning
Esme comes from the Old French esmé, "loved, esteemed". It was first a man's name in Scotland, borne by Esmé Stewart, Duke of Lennox.
Origin
French, through Scotland.
History
J. D. Salinger's story For Esmé, with Love and Squalor (1950) made the name known as feminine. In England and Wales it reached 35th place in 2016.
Famous people named Esme
- Esmé Stewart, Duke of Lennox
- Esme Creed-Miles, actress
Popularity of the name Esme
Esme in the United States
Esme was most popular in the United States in the 2020s, with 4,521 births over the decade, 46% of all recorded babies named Esme. Its rise began around 2007, and it peaked in 2022. Half of all babies named Esme in the United States were born before 2019, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 904 births a year on average, against 535 in the five years before.
Esme in the United Kingdom
Esme was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 11,979 births over the decade, 52% of all recorded babies named Esme. Half of all babies named Esme in the United Kingdom were born before 2016, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 1,115 births a year on average, against 1,336 in the five years before.
Esme in Ireland
Sibling names for Esme
Names from the same generation as Esme, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Esme? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Esme with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Esme side by side with the name of your choice.
Esme in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Esme mean?
Esme comes from the Old French esmé, "loved, esteemed". It was first a man's name in Scotland, borne by Esmé Stewart, Duke of Lennox.
What is the origin of the name Esme?
French, through Scotland.
Is Esme a girl's or a boy's name?
Esme is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Esme?
In 2024, Esme was the 345th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 901 births.
What are good sibling names for Esme?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Lyra, Rosie, Clementine and Aurelia for a sister, Beau, Otto, Milo and Ollie for a brother.
Who are famous people named Esme?
Esmé Stewart, Duke of Lennox; Esme Creed-Miles, actress.