Nameberry of the Day: Esther

March 23

March 23 marks the first day of Purim — a Jewish holiday recounted in the Book of Esther.

Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people living in the Persian Empire in the 5th century BCE from a royal death decree by Haman, the king’s minister.

After hearing of Haman’s plans, Esther — the beloved Jewish queen of Ahaseurus — risked her life by going to the king uninvited, pleading for her people and in turn overthrowing Haman.

The name Esther is of Persian origin, derived from the Old Persian word stāra meaning “star”. The name has historically been given to baby girls named around Purim, but works equally well for babies of any season.

Quiet and studious Esther has never fallen out of the Top 500, and currently ranks #139 in the US.

A beautiful and underused alternative is Queen Esther’s birth name, Hadassah — a Hebrew name pronounced “ha-DASS-a” and meaning “myrtle tree”.

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