Declining since 1994, #8,362 for girls today.
Popularity of Vashti since 1882
Babies named Vashti per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1922, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Vashti's real moment was 1902.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 20 |
| 1890s | 100 |
| 1900s | 137 |
| 1910s | 219 |
| 1920s | 245 |
| 1930s | 137 |
| 1940s | 107 |
| 1950s | 105 |
| 1960s | 71 |
| 1970s | 171 |
| 1980s | 241 |
| 1990s | 327 |
| 2000s | 226 |
| 2010s | 179 |
| 2020s | 70 |
Meaning & origin
Vashti is a rare Biblical name with ancient Persian roots, best known as the first wife of King Ahasuerus in the Book of Esther. Its usage in the United States has been sparse but steady since records began in 1882. The name saw its peak popularity in 1902, when it was most frequently chosen, though it has never been common. Over the last century, its trajectory has been generally falling, with a notable decline after 1994. Today, Vashti is an uncommon choice: in 2025, it ranked 8,362 and was given to roughly 1 in every 133,939 newborn girls. Despite its low current usage, the name retains a distinctive, historic charm and remains in occasional use among families seeking a strong Biblical name with a unique sound.
Vashti appears in the Book of Esther as the first wife of King Ahasuerus who was deposed for refusing to appear before the king's guests. The name's etymology is uncertain; it may derive from Old Persian vāšti- 'desired, beloved' or be related to an Elamite word. Despite its ancient Biblical roots, the name remained rare in English usage until a modest increase in the late 19th century, peaking around 1902.
Sibling names for Vashti
Names that share Vashti's style, for a brother or sister.
