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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

The name Hester

93 replies

Farmer98755 · 28/04/2021 16:12

What comes to mind when you think of the name Hester? Do you like it? i really love it but scared of people reactions.

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Willdoitlater · 28/04/2021 20:38

Love it. Timeless, elegant, not trying too hard.

GreyhoundG1rl · 28/04/2021 20:37

Easter?

Original poster
Farmer98755 · 28/04/2021 20:34

Thankyou everyone- the response is a lot more positive than expected Smile

OP posts:
MolyHolyGuacamole · 28/04/2021 20:31

A ghost.

PurBal · 28/04/2021 19:30

I like it. I also like Esther and Easter.

HandforthParishCouncilClerk · 28/04/2021 19:27

Hester Prynne, fallen woman in ‘The Scarlet Letter’

Saltyslug · 28/04/2021 19:26

Like it

AgeLikeWine · 28/04/2021 19:24

‘No, it’s Hester, not Esther. H E S T E R. Hester.”

Repeat ad Infinitum for 80+ years....

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 28/04/2021 19:23

In contrast I really dislike Esther.

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 28/04/2021 19:22

I love it. It used to remind me of an L M Montgomery short story (called, I think "Hester Greg's Garden"), but it now reminds me of a small family member who has that name.

Synchrony · 28/04/2021 19:21

I really like it. First thought is the character in The Greengage Summer.

Leytonladee · 28/04/2021 19:20

I think it's great. I went to school with one; she was clever, hippy-ish and cool.

NoSquirrels · 28/04/2021 19:18

Absolutely love it. Would name a baby this in a heartbeat- despite all the people who don’t like it!

Constance11 · 28/04/2021 19:13

My friend has a two year old called Hester and if I had a £ for every time I've heard her say to someone 'no not Esther' I would be very rich. Personally I think it's quite an ugly sounding name, but some people probably don't like my kids' names either! If you like a name then just use it :)

SpeakFriendAndEnter · 28/04/2021 19:09

There not their! Argh!

SpeakFriendAndEnter · 28/04/2021 19:08

I think their is a Jilly Cooper short story with a main character called Hester. I like it. It's different and conjures up images of a forthright young lady who is passionate and feisty lol

Mustangsallyis · 28/04/2021 19:07

Love it! Had only met one before, a friend of a friend at university, but now have a close relative with that name Smile

ChelseaCat · 28/04/2021 18:50

Ohhh I like Hester but really like Hestia @Llyn - thanks!

SomethingNastyInTheBallPool · 28/04/2021 18:40

I love it. In fact, I love it so much I used it for DD. We’re in London, so she inevitably ends up being “Esther” a lot of the time.

Fieldings15 · 28/04/2021 18:40

I like it! Also on my list but not sure I'd be brave enough. Think it's quite an old English name.

JaninaDuszejko · 28/04/2021 18:36

The HDM association is a good one, much better than Lyra. Really like it.

PatsyStone39 · 28/04/2021 18:36

Another one here who thinks of the 80's Sitcom Fresh/French Fields. But i'm slightly ancient.

I don't love it. Sorry, OP. With my accent, it sounds like i'm trying to say Chester.

partyatthepalace · 28/04/2021 18:35

I prefer Esther but there is nothing wrong with it - I don’t think it’s especially marmite either. I have only known one when I was at school, so it’s unusual without being out there which is a bonus.

Tempusfudgeit · 28/04/2021 18:30

My dog was called Hester after His Dark Materials. Very happy associations here 😀

IPokeBadgers · 28/04/2021 18:25

I like it and immediately have literary connections:

Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter
And
Hester the daemon in His Dark Materials

As a name I actually really like it.