Esfir

Girl Name
Pronunciation:/ˈɛs.fɪr/

Esfir: a female name of Old Persian origin meaning "This name derives from the Old Persian and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(stāra > setāra) (Ištar) (ḥadaṣah),” most likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love". It derives from the Old Persian word (STāRA > SETāRA) (IšTAR) (ḥADAṣAH).

Parents seeking a meaningful feminine name often discover Esfir, drawn to its Old Persian heritage and beautiful significance: "This name derives from the Old Persian and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(stāra > setāra) (Ištar) (ḥadaṣah),” most likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.

Quick Facts About Esfir

Quick facts about Esfir
OriginOld Persian, Akkadian (Babylonian)
GenderGirl name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Old Persian and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(stāra > setāra) (Ištar) (ḥadaṣah),” most likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love. The given name was adopted as an English name in the 17th-century. The biblical Queen Esther is associated with the Hebrew word “ḥadaṣah” (myrtle). It has remained a popular name in some Jewish communities. According to the bible, she was a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. It is the Old Testament’s name to the old Semitic mother-goddess, called in Phenicia, Ashtarte; in Babylonia, Ishtar; and in Arabia, Athtar.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

(STāRA > SETāRA) (IšTAR) (ḥADAṣAH)

Other Scripts

Belarusian (Эсфір) Ukrainian (Есфір)

How to Pronounce Esfir

Esfir is pronounced /ˈɛs.fɪr/

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Esf-ir
  2. Say it like: "ESF-IR"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

This name has found popularity across ukrainian, and belarusian speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.

ukrainianbelarusian
Name Relationships

Esfir is a variant form of Ester, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.

Frequently Asked Questions About Esfir
What does the name Esfir mean?
Esfir means "This name derives from the Old Persian and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(stāra > setāra) (Ištar) (ḥadaṣah),” most likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love. The given name was adopted as an English name in the 17th-century. The biblical Queen Esther is associated with the Hebrew word “ḥadaṣah” (myrtle). It has remained a popular name in some Jewish communities. According to the bible, she was a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. It is the Old Testament’s name to the old Semitic mother-goddess, called in Phenicia, Ashtarte; in Babylonia, Ishtar; and in Arabia, Athtar.". The name comes from (STāRA > SETāRA) (IšTAR) (ḥADAṣAH). In its original form, the name derives from setāra / setâreh (ستاره) ḥadaṣah (עשתר). This old persian name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Esfir for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old Persian and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(stāra > setāra) (Ištar) (ḥadaṣah),” most likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love. The given name was adopted as an English name in the 17th-century. The biblical Queen Esther is associated with the Hebrew word “ḥadaṣah” (myrtle). It has remained a popular name in some Jewish communities. According to the bible, she was a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. It is the Old Testament’s name to the old Semitic mother-goddess, called in Phenicia, Ashtarte; in Babylonia, Ishtar; and in Arabia, Athtar." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Esfir's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like STARS AND HEAVENLY BODIES / BIBLICAL, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Esfir?
Esfir has old persian and akkadian (babylonian) origins. The name traces back to (STāRA > SETāRA) (IšTAR) (ḥADAṣAH). The original form setāra / setâreh (ستاره) ḥadaṣah (עשתר) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Esfir is written as Belarusian (Эсфір) Ukrainian (Есфір). From its old persian roots, Esfir spread to become common in ukrainian, belarusian. The old persian meaning "This name derives from the Old Persian and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(stāra > setāra) (Ištar) (ḥadaṣah),” most likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love. The given name was adopted as an English name in the 17th-century. The biblical Queen Esther is associated with the Hebrew word “ḥadaṣah” (myrtle). It has remained a popular name in some Jewish communities. According to the bible, she was a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. It is the Old Testament’s name to the old Semitic mother-goddess, called in Phenicia, Ashtarte; in Babylonia, Ishtar; and in Arabia, Athtar." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared. Esfir developed as a form of Ester, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Esfir a boy or girl name?
Esfir is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In old persian tradition, Esfir has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Old Persian and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(stāra > setāra) (Ištar) (ḥadaṣah),” most likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love. The given name was adopted as an English name in the 17th-century. The biblical Queen Esther is associated with the Hebrew word “ḥadaṣah” (myrtle). It has remained a popular name in some Jewish communities. According to the bible, she was a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. It is the Old Testament’s name to the old Semitic mother-goddess, called in Phenicia, Ashtarte; in Babylonia, Ishtar; and in Arabia, Athtar." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Esfir?
Esfir is pronounced "/ˈɛs.fɪr/". This pronunciation follows ak language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Belarusian (Эсфір) Ukrainian (Есфір), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Esfir is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in ukrainian, belarusian, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with old persian names, listening to a native speaker say Esfir can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root (STāRA > SETāRA) (IšTAR) (ḥADAṣAH) influences how Esfir sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Esfir?
Esfir is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Esfir offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Esfir's popularity may vary between old persian communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old Persian and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(stāra > setāra) (Ištar) (ḥadaṣah),” most likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love. The given name was adopted as an English name in the 17th-century. The biblical Queen Esther is associated with the Hebrew word “ḥadaṣah” (myrtle). It has remained a popular name in some Jewish communities. According to the bible, she was a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. It is the Old Testament’s name to the old Semitic mother-goddess, called in Phenicia, Ashtarte; in Babylonia, Ishtar; and in Arabia, Athtar." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Esfir holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Esfir?
Esfir is a form of Ester. Over time, Ester developed into several variations, with Esfir emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In old persian tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name derives from the Old Persian and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(stāra > setāra) (Ištar) (ḥadaṣah),” most likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love. The given name was adopted as an English name in the 17th-century. The biblical Queen Esther is associated with the Hebrew word “ḥadaṣah” (myrtle). It has remained a popular name in some Jewish communities. According to the bible, she was a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. It is the Old Testament’s name to the old Semitic mother-goddess, called in Phenicia, Ashtarte; in Babylonia, Ishtar; and in Arabia, Athtar.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Esfir might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In ukrainian and belarusian, Esfir may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Esfir commonly used?
Esfir is common in ukrainian and belarusian naming traditions. Though old persian in origin, Esfir found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Old Persian and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(stāra > setāra) (Ištar) (ḥadaṣah),” most likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love. The given name was adopted as an English name in the 17th-century. The biblical Queen Esther is associated with the Hebrew word “ḥadaṣah” (myrtle). It has remained a popular name in some Jewish communities. According to the bible, she was a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. It is the Old Testament’s name to the old Semitic mother-goddess, called in Phenicia, Ashtarte; in Babylonia, Ishtar; and in Arabia, Athtar." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Esfir into their naming traditions. A child named Esfir will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Esfir is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Esfir?
Esfir carries associations with STARS AND HEAVENLY BODIES / BIBLICAL. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old Persian and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(stāra > setāra) (Ištar) (ḥadaṣah),” most likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love. The given name was adopted as an English name in the 17th-century. The biblical Queen Esther is associated with the Hebrew word “ḥadaṣah” (myrtle). It has remained a popular name in some Jewish communities. According to the bible, she was a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. It is the Old Testament’s name to the old Semitic mother-goddess, called in Phenicia, Ashtarte; in Babylonia, Ishtar; and in Arabia, Athtar." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In old persian culture, where Esfir originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Esfir sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Esfir often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In ukrainian communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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