A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Essie since 1880
Babies named Essie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Essie's real moment was 1904.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,554 |
| 1890s | 3,059 |
| 1900s | 4,467 |
| 1910s | 7,999 |
| 1920s | 8,967 |
| 1930s | 5,355 |
| 1940s | 3,696 |
| 1950s | 2,274 |
| 1960s | 892 |
| 1970s | 355 |
| 1980s | 231 |
| 1990s | 151 |
| 2000s | 84 |
| 2010s | 310 |
| 2020s | 288 |
Meaning & origin
Essie is a vintage nickname name that has been climbing the charts since 2002 after a long decline. It ranked 3,296 in 2025, with roughly 1 in 34,197 girls given the name that year. Its peak popularity was in 1904, during the early 1900s, a decade that saw numerous short, friendly names flourish. Today, Essie is most commonly found in Texas, reflecting a broader revival of old-fashioned names in the southern United States. The name's charm lies in its simple, approachable sound and its connection to the more formal Esther, giving parents a sweet yet substantial option.
Essie originated as a diminutive of Esther, which is derived from the Persian word 'star' or 'myrtle'. It also serves as a pet form for other names starting with 'Es-', such as Esmeralda. The name peaked in the early 1900s, especially in the southern United States, and is currently seeing a revival.
Where Essie 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Es
Variants: Essee
Sibling names for Essie
Names that share Essie's style, for a brother or sister.
