Esther \e-sther, es-ther\ as a girl's name is pronounced ESS-ter. It is of Persian origin, and the meaning of Esther is "myrtle leaf". Also possibly (Persian) "star". Biblical: a young Hebrew woman named Hadassah who became the wife of the Persian king Ahasuerus, and risked her life to save her people. Jews celebrate the festival of Purim in memory of her. The name may also be a Hebrew form of the name of the Persian goddess of love, Ishtar. Ester is a Spanish form. Swimming actress Esther Williams; cosmetics pioneer Est?Lauder.

Esther has 14 variant forms: Essie, Essy, Esta, Estee, Ester, Estera, Ettey, Etti, Ettie, Etty, Hester, Hesther, Hetty and Hittie.

For more information, see also related names Easter, Estelle, Hadassah, Starla and Asta.

Baby names that sound like Esther are Astera, Astrea, Estrid, Astryr and Wister.