Esme
Fact sheet
- Name
- Esme
- Gender
- Unisex name
- Syllables
- 2
The first name Esme, in both its male and female forms, made its way into Scottish naming in the 16th century and was only later used for girls.
What does the name Esme mean?
Esme, in its male and female form, means "the respected one" or "the esteemed one." The name originally comes from the Old French verb esmer, which means "to love," "to appreciate," or "to regard." The Latin word æstĭmāre, which means "to assess," "to evaluate," or "to estimate," also contributes to its meaning. Additionally, Esme is considered a Turkish variant of the name Asma, which means "the highest" and is derived from the Arabic ʿasmā (أَسْمَى) meaning "higher," "highest," or "noble." The name appears in various spellings and meanings in different countries, including Esmee and Esmae.
Where does the name Esme come from?
The name Esme has its roots in Old French and is found in both male and female forms. It means "the respected one." The Old French word root esmer stands for "to love, to appreciate, to regard," while the Latin æstĭmāre means "to assess, to evaluate, to estimate." Furthermore, it is a derivation of Asma: ʿasmā (أَسْمَى) means "higher, highest, nobler, most noble" in Arabic. The languages in which the name occurs include English, French, Dutch, and Netherlandic.
How do you pronounce Esme?
The pronunciation of Esme is soft and can be two to three syllables. The name is pronounced as "Es-me" [ˈɛsme], with a French note that combines a bright beginning with a gently closed ending. This reduced structure gives the name an elegant and understated quality. Esme radiates a fine and stylish presence – quiet in sound, yet clear in effect.
Popularity
In Germany, Esme is a fairly common first name, currently ranking 3,210th on the list of the most popular female baby names. The best rank was achieved in 2020, reaching 1,427th place. Over the last ten years, the name has been given about 150 times as a first name and ranks 1,958th in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it is placed 2,174th.
Nicknames & pet names
Emse / Es / Esmi / Ezmez / Me / Schmetzge
Famous people
- Charles Esme Thornton Warren (British writer)
- Esme Anne Platt Cullen (Vampire from 'Twilight')
- Esme Church (Actress from the UK)
- Esme Cullen (Vampire)
- Esme Denters (Singer)
- Esme Haywood (English cricketer)
- Esme Hubbard (Actress from England)
- Esmé Lammers (* 1958), Dutch author and film director)
- Esme Langley (Writer from the UK)
- Esmé MacKinnon (1913–1999), British alpine skier)
- Esme Rosemary Irwin (British cricketer)
- Esme Simiriotou (* 1884; d. 20th century), Greek tennis player)
- Esme Wynne-Tyson (British writer)
- Mends Esme Papa Anamuah (Footballer from Ghana)
Frequently asked questions about the name Esme
What does the name Esme mean?
Esme means 'the respected one' or 'the esteemed one.' The name is derived from the Old French verb esmer, which means 'to love,' 'to appreciate,' or 'to regard.' It is also associated with the Arabic word ʿasmā, which means 'higher' or 'noble.'
Where does the name Esme come from?
The name Esme has its roots in Old French and is widespread in many languages such as English, French, Dutch, and Netherlandic. It exists in both male and female forms.
How popular is the name Esme?
The name Esme has been growing in popularity in recent years, especially in English-speaking countries. Its elegant sound and profound meaning make it a choice for many parents.