The name Esmeralda has its origins in the Spanish and Portuguese languages. It is derived from the Spanish word "esmeralda," which means "emerald" in English. This gemstone's name, in turn, comes from the Greek word "smaragdos," which is believed to have been adapted from an ancient Semitic language.

The earliest recorded use of the name Esmeralda dates back to the 16th century. It gained popularity in literature, particularly in Victor Hugo's 1831 novel "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," where the character Esmeralda, a beautiful gypsy dancer, played a central role.

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Esmeralda was Esmeralda of Everingham, an English noblewoman who lived in the 13th century. She was the daughter of William de Fortibus, Earl of Albemarle.

In the 16th century, Esmeralda Bacon was an English noblewoman and the wife of Sir Thomas Hoby, a diplomat and translator. She lived from around 1533 to 1592.

Esmeralda Cervantes, born in 1585, was the youngest daughter of the renowned Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, best known for his novel "Don Quixote."

In the 19th century, Esmeralda Annan Woodhouse was a British writer and artist who lived from 1845 to 1920. She was known for her novels and paintings depicting the lives of working-class people in London.

Another notable figure was Esmeralda Simington, a Canadian writer and educator who lived from 1870 to 1953. She was a pioneer in the field of children's literature and wrote numerous books and stories for young readers.

Throughout history, the name Esmeralda has been associated with beauty, rarity, and precious gemstones, reflecting its origins and the alluring characteristics often attributed to the emerald.