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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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Nevertriedcaviar · 03/02/2026 11:44

There's nothing wrong with the name Esther. I like it.

flowerpowers25 · 03/02/2026 11:40

Great name. Ignore and they'll get used to it and probably love it in time.

HereintheloveofChristIstand · 03/02/2026 11:40

I don't get the term 'grandma names'. One day your child will be an old lady!

I like Esther. Wouldn't be my first choice but it's a nice name. I sat next to a girl called Esther in sixth form, she was very glamorous and had a very funny laugh.

ladycarlotta · 03/02/2026 11:33

I don't think of it as an old lady name at all, more of an elegant classic. A good Old Testament name like Ruth, Rebecca, Naomi, Leah etc. I could see it on a person of any age. If you like it you should go for it.

Oceangrey · 03/02/2026 11:33

I like it and she's a great character in the original story.
Esti is a good nickname.
I knew a couple growing up. I'm Jewish but it feels like a name anyone could use.

FlowerFairyDaisy · 03/02/2026 11:32

It's a nice name and I actually think very stylish for a teenager and adult. Cute for a little one.

You should go with it if you love it. People will come to love it because they will love her.

Fifipurple · 03/02/2026 11:30

I like it a lot! It’s a beautiful name.

It doesn't matter what others think, if you like it, then use it ☺️ x

Sugargliderwombat · 03/02/2026 11:17

I have a lovely 4 year old Esther in my class, it's a lovely name.

Wishthingswerenouting · 03/02/2026 11:14

I like it actually! Though the only Esther’s I know are from the film orphan and the OW when my grandmother was cheated on 😂

also like Stella which has the same vibe I think

bells456 · 03/02/2026 11:09

Esther is lovely.

Echobelly · 03/02/2026 10:55

I think it's lovely, and it's not like it's weird or uncommon.

SteelMaiden · 03/02/2026 10:54

I think its a lovely and classic name. Slightly biased as I know one who is absolutely lovely.

HushTheNoise · 03/02/2026 10:51

@timoteigirl the Salome who famously asked for John the Baptist's head on a platter?
I think there's a reason it's a less popular name. Esther is not restricted to Jewish families either, anyone can use a name from the Bible and many do without any Jewish or Christian connection. It's probably a good idea to look up the story associated with the name though, otherwise you might be surprised by people's reactions.

SALaw · 03/02/2026 10:51

I love it

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 03/02/2026 10:47

People might think it's old fashioned now, but it will soon just be 'her name'

I had an aunt Poppy (born 1921). Poppy was the dowdiest, most old fashioned name you could think of when I was growing up and nobody would have used it for their daughter, amid all the Susan, Karen, Deborah and Carolines that were then popular. But then Poppy got popular and I had a few times thinking 'oh, that's a dated name!' then got used to it and now I think it's a lovely (if getting sightly dated again) name.

HairyToity · 03/02/2026 10:46

My daughter's best friend is called Esther I think it's a lovely name.

FiveMetresUp · 03/02/2026 10:44

It’s beautiful, although I would probably only use it for a Jewish baby.

timoteigirl · 03/02/2026 10:43

I think it's in the same category as Bertha so wouldn't return. There are many other Old Testament names to use. What about Salome?

OhDear111 · 03/02/2026 10:42

@duffy7 It’s perfectly normal. You have odd friends! They might associate it with Esther Rantzen but it’s certainly used for babies.

giveyourselfapresent · 03/02/2026 10:37

It's one of my favourite would-have-used-if-I'd-had-another-girl names. Esther or Juliet.

Moveoverdarlin · 03/02/2026 10:06

Oh I love it. Sexiest girl I have ever met was called Esther. She was a dancer.

clarrylove · 03/02/2026 10:05

I like it! Hester was my granny's middle name but I think I prefer Esther.

Just don't put it as a middle name with Polly as a first name!

Everlore · 03/02/2026 10:02

I think it's a beautiful name with wonderful provenance.
However, It is completely irrelevant what I or anyone else, whether that be strangers on the internet or family and friends, think of your putative name.
My top baby-naming tip is to never consult anyone about your name choices. Someone will object to any name suggestion, no matter how innocuous, usually for entirely personal, arbitrary and often irrational reasons, so seeking advice is futile.
The best course of action is to only reveal your name choice once baby has arrived and the name is a fait accomplis. At this point, most people are too polite to do anything but compliment the name. Mention the subject while you are undecided and everyone will stick their oar in. The name of your baby should purely be your and your partner's business. Wishing you all the best!

Didshejustsaythatoutloud · 03/02/2026 09:55

muddyford · 03/02/2026 08:48

I like it. But I prefer Hester.

Hester sounds like a big bruiser of a farmer 😂, sorry

JohnWickAteMyHamster · 03/02/2026 09:51

I have a teenage Esther! I think it's the most beautiful name. I am still so so happy I chose it for her. She really likes her name too 😍
Her friends sometimes call her Ezz which I am less keen on...
When she was little she loved the bible story about Queen Esther - beautiful brave and strong