Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

We like biblical names. Miriam or Esther?

40 replies

sadiemcgrady · 17/06/2009 10:15

Boy will probably be Peter.

For a girl we quite like Miriam and Esther. I am all in favour of giving straightforward traditional names and deliberately steer clear of 'popular' names, but are those two just too uncommon? I don't know anyone IRL called either of them.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
Wheelybug · 17/06/2009 13:55

love esther - dd2 would have been esther had I not had a slight lisp.

pranma · 17/06/2009 13:50

I love Miriam-both gentle and elegant
I also like Naomi and Ruth

troutpout · 17/06/2009 13:33

I know one of each
both lovely names

CravingOlives · 17/06/2009 13:17

I know two baby Esthers, both of whom really suit their name. I don't know any Miriams. I like them both to be honest, although I think E slightly has the edge.

chaya5738 · 17/06/2009 12:58

I love Miriam. And "Miri" as a nickname is very sweet.

I don't like Esther so much largely because Madonna chose it as her "Hebrew name." Silly, i know.

belgo · 17/06/2009 12:57

Esther is a beautiful name.

NorthernLurker · 17/06/2009 12:55

Actually in 'church' circles they are both quite usual. I know several of both.

Dorcas is less common - or Eve?

jeanjeannie · 17/06/2009 12:54

Love Esther - great name

Sesi · 17/06/2009 12:53

I prefer Esther, it's more elegant than Miriam. Which is still nice but maybe a bit homely?

IRL I know one of each, with Miriam being shortened to Mim as a nn.

sporadicname · 17/06/2009 12:52

I love Esther.

TwoSunnyDays · 17/06/2009 12:42

Cant go wrong with either, both great names!

Scorpette · 17/06/2009 11:32

My name is Esther and I have always thought it was the coolest name ever and I'm always getting people saying 'Ooh, that's a lovely name' when they first meet me, so I would say go for it. It's uncommon, but not weird and everyone's heard of it, so don't worry about that. BUT please be prepared for the fact that virtually no-one seems to be able to spell it! It's not just people missing the H out by spelling it Ester, a huge proportion of people spell it Esta, Estha, Esster and even Easter! Just today I got a letter addressed to Eastha (Surname) - despite me having spelt my name out for them over the phone. Guess it's the price you pay for having the best name ever

tummytickler · 17/06/2009 11:29

I love Miriam (we would coinsider it for dc5). Esther is OK too.
I dont know any children of either but know a grown woman with each name.
Love Peter too, my ds Amos has this for one of his middle names.

mollyroger · 17/06/2009 10:24

i love esther. (I know a RL esther and a hester, think both are really pretty and unusual)

sleepychunky · 17/06/2009 10:22

Love both those names and I know quite a few little Miriams and Esthers.
Esther one of my faves for next baby if it's a girl.
Go for it!