Hester

girlPersianChristianJewish

Hester is a Christian girl name of Persian, via Hebrew origin, meaning “Possibly 'star'”.

MeaningPossibly 'star'
GenderGirl
OriginPersian, via Hebrew
PronunciationHES-ter
TraditionChristian, Jewish
Used inUnited Kingdom, Netherlands, United States

Meaning and origin of Hester

Hester is an old English form of Esther, the Jewish queen of Persia whose story is told in the Book of Esther. The name is usually explained from Persian stara, 'star', though some connect it with the goddess Ishtar. The Hebrew Bible also gives her Hebrew name, Hadassah. Literary readers know Hester Prynne, the heroine of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter.

Is Hester a Christian name?

As a form of Esther, Hester is a biblical name; Esther's story is celebrated by Jewish families at the festival of Purim.

How popular is Hester?

Rare, though it has a quiet vintage appeal in Britain.

Gifts with the name Hester

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Spellings and variants of Hester

EstherEsterHetty

Names similar to Hester

More Christian girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Hester mean?

Hester means 'Possibly 'star''. It is of Persian, via Hebrew origin.

Is Hester a Christian name?

As a form of Esther, Hester is a biblical name; Esther's story is celebrated by Jewish families at the festival of Purim.

How do you pronounce Hester?

Hester is pronounced HES-ter.

Is Hester a boy or girl name?

Hester is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.