Holding steady, #10,107 for girls today.
Popularity of Esta since 1880
Babies named Esta per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Esta's real moment was 1891.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 172 |
| 1890s | 378 |
| 1900s | 463 |
| 1910s | 850 |
| 1920s | 872 |
| 1930s | 564 |
| 1940s | 447 |
| 1950s | 309 |
| 1960s | 143 |
| 1970s | 82 |
| 1980s | 52 |
| 1990s | 24 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 47 |
| 2020s | 31 |
Meaning & origin
Esta is a rare name of uncertain origin, possibly linked to Esther, meaning 'star'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, with its peak popularity in 1891. By 2025, it ranked 10,107 with about 1 in 178,585 births. The name has remained stable in its rarity, never experiencing a significant revival. Its simplicity and vintage charm make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon name.
Esta is a name of uncertain derivation. It may have originated as a diminutive or short form of Esther, itself from Persian meaning 'star', or of Hester, a variant of Esther. It appeared in the United States in the late 19th century, first recorded in 1880, and saw modest use through the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Essie
Sibling names for Esta
Names that share Esta's style, for a brother or sister.
