Holding steady.
Popularity of Kester since 1913
Babies named Kester per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 51 |
| 1920s | 62 |
| 1930s | 44 |
| 1940s | 47 |
| 1950s | 34 |
| 1960s | 7 |
| 1970s | 28 |
| 1980s | 20 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 23 |
| 2010s | 19 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Kester is a rare and distinctive name with uncertain origins. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1913, and its peak year was 1915, when it was likely given to a handful of babies. Since then, its usage has been stable but minimal, with no rank data for recent years. The name has a 1-in-N value of null, meaning it is too infrequent to calculate. Kester is primarily a boy's name, and its top states are not recorded. Despite its obscurity, Kester has a classic, approachable sound similar to names like Chester or Lester, making it a unique choice for parents seeking an uncommon but familiar-sounding name.
Kester is likely a variant or diminutive of Christopher, from Greek Christophoros, 'bearer of Christ'. Alternatively, it may be an Anglicized form of the Irish name Ciarán, from ciar 'black' or 'dark', with the suffix -án meaning 'little'. The name has been used in England and Ireland since the 19th century, though it has never been common. Its peak in the United States occurred in 1915, with isolated use across the 20th and 21st centuries.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kes, Kessy
Sibling names for Kester
Names that share Kester's style, for a brother or sister.
