Rising since 1990, #298 for girls today.
Popularity of Esme since 1913
Babies named Esme per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 17 |
| 1980s | 75 |
| 1990s | 189 |
| 2000s | 968 |
| 2010s | 4,092 |
| 2020s | 5,559 |
Meaning & origin
Esme has seen a steady rise in popularity since the 1990s, reflecting a modern revival of classic and literary names. In 2025, it ranked 298th with roughly one in every 1,557 newborn girls receiving the name, its peak year so far. The name first appeared on U.S. records in 1913, and its upward trajectory is particularly notable in states like Rhode Island, Washington D.C., and Hawaii. This elegant name carries a sense of refinement without feeling overly ornate, appealing to parents who value both simplicity and depth.
Esme is believed to derive from the Old French past participle 'esmé', meaning 'esteemed' or 'loved'. It was introduced to Scotland in the 16th century by Esmé Stewart, 1st Duke of Lennox, a French-born nobleman. The name has since been used as both a masculine and feminine name, though it is now predominantly given to girls. It may also be related to the Spanish name 'Esme' as a short form of 'Esmeralda'.
Where Esme is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Esme” around the world
Where Esme lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Ireland
35
babies in 2025
New Zealand
#96
in 2025
Quebec
15
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ezzie, Em
Sibling names for Esme
Names that share Esme's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Esme
Names whose popularity has moved with Esme's over the last 50 years.
