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Baby names

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

Original poster

I love the name everyone else hates..

157 replies

duffy7 · 03/02/2026 08:43

I love love the name Esther. But I’ve been told it’s a grandma name and it sounds horrible. I have loved this name for years and it’s honestly so crushing to hear but I need honest opinions, is the name Esther bad?

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tiredlazydoesntmatter · 03/02/2026 17:44

I love Esther . Pretty name.

OrangeAxolotyl · 03/02/2026 17:43

I suppose it depends where you are. In real life, where I live at least, it's well liked!
What a shame for your daughter, @Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies , it's such a beautiful, strong name.

Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies · 03/02/2026 17:36

Mostly Esther is liked in Mumsnet.

However, in RL it just isn't. When I told people DD's name there would be a small gap whilst the person thought of something to say. Normally, something along the lines of how unusual. Sometimes they managed to mutter that its quite an old name. Or that it was very. .. er, biblical.

DD is 25 now. I still love her name, and don't care that others didn't like it. People that matter got used to it. She likes it too. And now she's an adult she's got over the fact that her name was never on mugs, bookmarks or stickers.

DisforDarkChocolate · 03/02/2026 17:31

I think it's lovely too.

Randomuser2026 · 03/02/2026 17:31

I only know one Esther aged early 40s. I love the name.

northernplatform · 03/02/2026 17:29

it was my Grandma’s name (so yes very Grandma to me!) but I like it - If you like it go for it

clarepetal · 03/02/2026 17:27

It's not my choice, but it's not my child! If you want to call her that, you should!

LittleGreenDuck · 03/02/2026 17:22

I like it. I know in her early 20s and another aged around 13. Doesn't seem old fashioned or dowdy at all to me.

Arlanymor · 03/02/2026 17:09

I prefer Nesta, but Esther is lovely in its own way. Don't pay any attention to the naysayers - the choice is yours and your partner's (if you have one) - you don't need to satisfy anyone else. Plus when the baby comes along, she'll be a lovely bundle of joy and people will start to associate the name specifically with her - so they will warm to it really quickly I promise.

RaraRachael · 03/02/2026 17:06

It's a lovely name. Keep it as Esther. It doesn't need a "nickname" which MN are obsessed with.

StasisMom · 03/02/2026 16:45

I know an Esther, aged 21, and she’s gorgeous inside and out.

Viviennemary · 03/02/2026 16:45

I think it's very nice.

KarriTreeSullivan · 03/02/2026 16:44

The only Esther I 'knew' (I was a baby when she died) would have been born about 1900, and was known as Hetty, which I believe is common for Esther, or was, back then. So it fits perfectly with the 'old lady' trend. I think it's quite nice too.

IceIceSlippyIce · 03/02/2026 15:52

If you and Baby's father both love it, use it.
Personally, I think it's a great name.
Just don't share any more choices with people who frankly don't have a say in naming your baby.

HighburyHope · 03/02/2026 15:40

Esther’s a solid classic, not prone to faddishness. Nothing wrong with that!

OrangeAxolotyl · 03/02/2026 15:39

I like it because it's a strong name, I personally don't like the fashion for ditzy girls names like Lottie, Dottie, Maisie, Daisy, Missy, Poppy etc.

Berlinlover · 03/02/2026 15:36

I work with an Esther, she’s from Ghana and a very nice person.

Calliopespa · 03/02/2026 15:28

I am a bit baffled why some rather awful old lady names have come back and this hasn't.

I think it has a pretty sound and I especially like it as I know an Esther who is my age but a total gem. Intelligent, funny and full of courage.

OrangeAxolotyl · 03/02/2026 15:23

It's an absolutely beautiful name, and classic. She was a strong character in the Bible.
Saying something is a "Grandma name" is so stupid, because fashions change in names.

Diamondsareagirlsbestfrien · 03/02/2026 15:19

If you love the name you should go for it imo. The issue with telling people early is they give you their unwanted opinions…

Hiptothisjive · 03/02/2026 14:31

So not going to help now the horse has bolted but in future - never never never tell people the name before the baby comes. People will tell
you their opinions on a name before baby is here but don’t tend to after you have already named your child: what about Estelle?

Csectionscar · 03/02/2026 14:16

I love it. Doesn’t make me think of old ladies at all, the only Esther I’ve known was a toddler. I think of the story from the bible and the Jewish Purim festival

wishingonastar101 · 03/02/2026 14:15

Lovely name. I knew and Ester 20 years ago - so she must be 40 ish now. Very cool woman... lots of tattoos, mad hair... the name suited her so I've never thought of it as 'granny'.
And for granny names I know small children called: Agnes, Enid, Maple, Mable, Rose, Patty, Peggy, Olive... the granny list goes on! like the cast of 'Last of the Summer Wine' round here!

Iamsotiredandfedup · 03/02/2026 14:02

Love it. It’s pretty, classic and will suit all ages

agree with not discussing baby names (unless those people aren’t dicks) it does make me laugh when a relative talks as if they have skin in the game, “oh no I don’t like that” ah ok noted aunt Deborah, I’ll cross it off the list

Thisistoo · 03/02/2026 14:00

I have a lovely "auntie" Esther, my late mum's best friend, she is one of the kindest, gentle person i I have ever known so for that reason I think it's a beautiful name 💖

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