The given name Essie is a diminutive form of the name Esther, which has its origins in the Persian language. Esther was a Jewish queen of Persia who lived in the 5th century BCE. The name Esther is derived from the Persian word "star" or "stellar."

Esther is a prominent figure in the Old Testament and the Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates her bravery in saving the Jewish people from persecution. The book of Esther in the Bible details her story, and her name has been used throughout Jewish history.

The diminutive form Essie emerged as an English variant of Esther, likely in the 19th century. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Essie was Essie Summers, an American actress born in 1886.

Another notable Essie was Essie Stein, born in 1890, who was a prominent philanthropist and advocate for women's rights in the early 20th century. Stein was instrumental in establishing several organizations dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in New York City.

In literature, Essie is the name of a character in the novel "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin, published in 1899. The novel is considered an important work of feminist literature and Essie represents the societal expectations placed on women during that era.

Essie Davis, an Australian actress born in 1970, is another well-known person with this given name. She has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The Babadook" and "Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries."

Essie Summers, the American actress mentioned earlier, was known for her roles in several silent films in the early 20th century, including "The Squaw Man" (1914) and "Hell-Roarin' Reform" (1919).