Hester

Girl Name
Pronunciation:/ˈhɛstər/

Hester: 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 Hester, 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 Hester

Quick facts about Hester
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)

How to Pronounce Hester

Hester is pronounced /ˈhɛstər/

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Hes-ter
  2. Say it like: "HEHSTOOHR"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

This name has found popularity across english, french, and german speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.

englishfrenchgerman
Frequently Asked Questions About Hester
What does the name Hester mean?
Hester 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 Hester 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, Hester'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 Hester?
Hester 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, Hester spread to become common in english, french, german. 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.
Is Hester a boy or girl name?
Hester 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, Hester 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 Hester?
Hester is pronounced "/ˈhɛstər/". This pronunciation follows ak language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Hester is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, french, german, 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 Hester can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root (STāRA > SETāRA) (IšTAR) (ḥADAṣAH) influences how Hester sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Hester?
Hester is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Hester offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Hester'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, Hester holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Hester commonly used?
Hester is common in english and french and german naming traditions. Though old persian in origin, Hester found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Hester, 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 Hester into their naming traditions. A child named Hester 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, Hester is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Hester?
Hester 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 Hester 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 Hester sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Hester often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In english 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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