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Baby names

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

Original poster

Esther?!?

67 replies

littlelots123 · 04/09/2021 11:40

We are due our second daughter in November, we already have a Mabel and thinking Esther form this one. I’ve been through so many names and none seem to be right!

What are people thoughts on Esther?! And does it sound okay with Mabel?!

Other names I liked but I can’t have were: Edith, Ada and Elsie!

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ladygindiva · 04/09/2021 23:08

Love it. Beautiful.

Classica · 04/09/2021 23:00

Esther is very popular in the Uk right now, and anyway was never an exclusively Jewish name, any more than Eve is.

Not sure why that should startle you so much. It is a name popular with Jewish people. I thought Puritan myself, but if I heard of sisters called Esther and Miriam, for example, I'd assume they were Jewish.

mum2jakie · 04/09/2021 22:54

It's beautiful. I also like Elspeth which I think has a similar vibe.

underneaththeash · 04/09/2021 22:50

I wouldn’t in case she has a lisp

Givemethatknife · 04/09/2021 22:50

@JamieFrasersBigSwingingKilt

It's an Old Testament name and I'd assume you were Jewish, rather than Christian. Biblical Esther is a great namesake - beautiful, clever and saved the Jewish people from destruction (again).
What?!

Esther is very popular in the Uk right now, and anyway was never an exclusively Jewish name, any more than Eve is.

Givemethatknife · 04/09/2021 22:48

It’s lovely.
Edith is too, and is a closer match to Mabel, I guess
Elsie is v twee. Ada I think is ugly personally.

JamieFrasersBigSwingingKilt · 04/09/2021 19:35

It's an Old Testament name and I'd assume you were Jewish, rather than Christian. Biblical Esther is a great namesake - beautiful, clever and saved the Jewish people from destruction (again).

Classica · 04/09/2021 19:13

It does give me Puritan vibes but goes well with Mabel (even though Mabel gives me zero religious thoughts). Essie is a cute nn.

Balonzette · 04/09/2021 19:08

I'd probably assume you were Christian to be honest, but the name fits in well enough with the vintage name trend for it to not be odd that you have used it but aren't Christian.

Balonzette · 04/09/2021 19:07

Esther is fabulous.

Biblical Esther a WONDERFUL, strong namesake.

Also means star, which is lovely.

Goes perfectly with Mabel, both vintage and sweet.

WhenZoomWasJustAnIceLolly · 04/09/2021 18:34

It’s absolutely gorgeous. I would have used it if my friend hadn’t!

ChikiTIKI · 04/09/2021 18:32

I love this name and know a lovely little girl names Esther who is so so sweet 🥰 go for it!

WombatChocolate · 04/09/2021 18:30

You can choose whatever name you like. It doesn’t matter if you’re Christian or not if you like a Biblical name.

I think people are just mentioning that many people with that name are from Christian families - it’s the same with the names Ruth and Naomi, but in all cases, of course people who aren’t Christians also sometimes have them too.

It shouldn’t be a factor in you choosing it or not, but I think people are just pointing out that it might be assumed you’re Christian with that name. That might be something that impacts your choice or doesn’t.

I think people mentioning it was just information, not a comment on whether you should choose the name or not. Its a very pretty name, in my view.

ErrolTheDragon · 04/09/2021 14:46

It's a nice name, and loads of non religious people use 'biblical' names without a second thought.

Original poster
littlelots123 · 04/09/2021 14:41

Thank you all for your comments! @KineticSand my auntie had a dog called Stella, makes me think of the dog! Funny how we get turned of names by someone.
We aren’t Christian, so does that mean we shouldn’t have it?! The more we say it, the more I’m liking it!

OP posts:
17caterpillars1mouse · 04/09/2021 14:16

Love it and the nn Essie

Enid is another one you might like based on your list and possibly Agatha

SoSoSoSleepy · 04/09/2021 13:46

Love it - pretty but strong sounding

MrsBertBibby · 04/09/2021 13:37

Esther is lovely, as is Edith.

ShuddaBeenMe · 04/09/2021 13:33

I know a baby Hester. It's a lovely name too.

crumblebug · 04/09/2021 13:27

I like Esther

Would also suggest Tessa

TempsPerdu · 04/09/2021 13:26

A few years ago I’d have said definitely not, but it’s one that’s really grown on me lately. Love the meaning, and the fact that it’s sort of quietly strong. It pairs well with Mabel, and Essie is a cute nickname.

I would say that all of the Esthers I’ve met have had a Christian background, and it is traditionally quite popular in religious circles, so that’s one thing to be aware of.

Charley50 · 04/09/2021 13:25

Love the name Esther

KowhaiWhy · 04/09/2021 13:24

I know an Aster who, with pronunciation differences, I initially thought was an Esther. Similar, but also nice? IMO, anyway, with the same bibilical links. In her 20s, btw. Lovely names.

WombatChocolate · 04/09/2021 13:18

Esther….the beautiful princess in the Bible.

Lots of Esthers in Christian circles.

It’s a name people will know of (ie won’t say ‘what? How do you spell that?’) but isn’t really common.

Nice.

HoldingTheDoor · 04/09/2021 13:11

Esther is beautiful.

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