Esta: 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 Esta, 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 Esta
Quick facts about Esta
Origin
Old Persian, Akkadian (Babylonian)
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Uncommon
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)
How to Pronounce Esta
Esta is pronounced /ˈɛs.tə/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Est-a
Say it like: "EST-A"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Esta enjoys international appeal, used in 4 different linguistic and cultural contexts including swedish, danish, faroese, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
swedishdanishfaroesefinnish
Name Relationships
Esta 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.
Esta 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 Esta 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. Esta offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like STARS AND HEAVENLY BODIES, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Esta?
Esta 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. From its old persian roots, Esta spread to become common in swedish, danish, faroese, finnish. 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. Esta developed as a form of Ester, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Esta a boy or girl name?
Esta 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, Esta 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 Esta?
Esta is pronounced "/ˈɛs.tə/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Esta is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in swedish, danish, faroese, 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 Esta can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root (STāRA > SETāRA) (IšTAR) (ḥADAṣAH) influences how Esta sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Esta?
Esta is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Esta gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Esta'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, Esta holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Esta?
Esta is a form of Ester. Over time, Ester developed into several variations, with Esta 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 Esta might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In swedish and danish, Esta may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Esta commonly used?
Esta spans multiple cultures, including swedish, danish, faroese, and 1 other traditions. Though old persian in origin, Esta found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Esta, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. 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 Esta into their naming traditions. A child named Esta 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, Esta is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Esta?
Esta carries associations with STARS AND HEAVENLY BODIES. 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 Esta 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 Esta sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Esta often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In swedish 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.