Yesfir': 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).
In Old Persian tradition, Yesfir' holds special significance as a feminine name representing 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 has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Old Persian culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Yesfir'
Quick facts about Yesfir'
Origin
Old Persian, Akkadian (Babylonian)
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Moderately 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
Russian (Есфирь)
How to Pronounce Yesfir'
Yesfir' is pronounced /jɛsˈfiːr/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Yes-fir-'
Say it like: "YEHSFEER"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
Usage & Popularity
Yesfir' is predominantly used in russian speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
russian
Name Relationships
Yesfir' is a variant form of Esther, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.
Yesfir' 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 Yesfir' 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, Yesfir''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, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Yesfir'?
Yesfir' 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, Yesfir' is written as Russian (Есфирь). The name remains closely tied to russian naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. 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. Yesfir' developed as a form of Esther, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Yesfir' a boy or girl name?
Yesfir' 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, Yesfir' 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 Yesfir'?
Yesfir' is pronounced "/jɛsˈfiːr/". This pronunciation follows ak language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Russian (Есфирь), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Yesfir' is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with old persian names, listening to a native speaker say Yesfir' can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root (STāRA > SETāRA) (IšTAR) (ḥADAṣAH) influences how Yesfir' sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Yesfir'?
Yesfir' is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Yesfir' offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Yesfir''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, Yesfir' holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Yesfir'?
Yesfir' is a form of Esther. Over time, Esther developed into several variations, with Yesfir' 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 Yesfir' might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In russian, Yesfir' may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Yesfir' commonly used?
Yesfir' is used primarily in russian naming traditions. Though old persian in origin, Yesfir' 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 Yesfir' into their naming traditions. A child named Yesfir' 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, Yesfir' is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Yesfir'?
Yesfir' 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 Yesfir' 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 Yesfir' sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Yesfir' often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In russian 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.