Find out how popular the first name Esme has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Esme by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Esme is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Esme being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 944 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Esme.

The history of the first name Esme

The name Esme has its origins in the French language, derived from the Old French word "esmée," meaning "beloved" or "esteemed." It is a feminine form of the masculine name "Esmé."

The earliest recorded use of the name Esme can be traced back to the 12th century in France, where it was a popular name among the nobility and upper classes. In medieval France, the name was often associated with grace, beauty, and virtue.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Esme was Esme de Laval, a French noblewoman who lived in the 13th century. She was renowned for her beauty and her patronage of the arts and literature.

During the Renaissance period, the name Esme gained popularity in England, particularly among the aristocracy. One notable figure was Esme Stewart, 1st Duke of Lennox (1542-1583), a Scottish nobleman who served as a close advisor to King James VI of Scotland.

In the 17th century, the name Esme was also used in literature. In the novel "The Fortunes of Nigel" by Sir Walter Scott, published in 1822, a character named Esme Cheneau plays a significant role.

Another notable bearer of the name Esme was Esme Howard, 1st Baron Howard of Penrith (1863-1939), a British diplomat and politician who served as a member of the House of Lords and as the British Ambassador to the United States.

In the 20th century, the name Esme gained wider popularity and was used across various cultures and regions. One of the most famous individuals with this name was Esme Wynne-Tyson (1890-1970), a British actress known for her roles in silent films and early talkies.

Another notable Esme was Esme Renouf (1883-1966), a British academic and historian who specialized in the study of ancient Greece and Rome. She was one of the first women to be appointed as a fellow at the University of Oxford.

Throughout its history, the name Esme has been associated with elegance, grace, and intellectualism. Its French origins and its use among the nobility and literary circles have contributed to its enduring appeal and cultural significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Esme was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Esme, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!