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Baby names

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

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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RuthW · 28/04/2021 16:38

Perfectly reasonable name but not to my taste.

Edenember · 28/04/2021 16:38

Sorry, but Uncle Fester is the first thing to come to mind. However, if I push that to the back of my mind and try to look at it objectively, it’s a pretty name. Nothing wrong with it.

Llyn · 28/04/2021 16:38

I like it, but it will be constantly misheard as Esther, which I prefer.

My first thought was the Greek goddess of the hearth, which having googled I realise I was mis-remembering; that was Hestia, which might be an alternative?

Second thought was the Scarlet Letter. But that wouldn’t put me off it.

What sort of reaction are you worried about?

Adventing · 28/04/2021 16:38

I always think it sounds like a harsher version of Esther. Esther is lovely but I don't really warm to Hester.

RickOShay · 28/04/2021 16:40

Fester. I’m not keen on the H sound.
Much prefer Anna to Hannah, and Esther to Hester.
It’s kind of cool though Smile

TheSpanishApartment · 28/04/2021 16:42

I love it

rainbowthoughts · 28/04/2021 16:44

Jester. Fester.

Not quite Heston

Theobear88 · 28/04/2021 16:46

Awful

Disfordarkchocolate · 28/04/2021 16:46

I adore this name. If I came across one I'd be a bit jealous.

milinhas · 28/04/2021 16:48

It reminds me of the hare in His Dark Materials but that’s not a bad association - I wouldn’t use it myself but it’s a good name.

twolooks · 28/04/2021 16:51

One of my favourites and on the shortlist for our DD. Also reminds me of His Dark Materials

Donotgogentle · 28/04/2021 16:53

I love it. Was on the list for DS1 . . . then DS2.

Strong name, not too girly, not trying to hard.

Tal45 · 28/04/2021 16:54

It makes me think of a cheap, itchy man made fabric for some reason.

weebarra · 28/04/2021 16:56

I like it. Reminds me of Carrie's War.

Farmer98755 · 28/04/2021 16:56

I think as it is quite a Marmite name i would just be worried of peoples reactions! So just seeing how other people feel about it before i dare to mention to family/ friends.

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Farmer98755 · 28/04/2021 17:00

@Donotgogentle

This is the same vibe i get from it too! thank you

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BlueChampagne · 28/04/2021 17:03

I like it too. Heroine in Mortal Engines.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 28/04/2021 17:16

It makes me think of Julia McKenzie in the old TV sitcom Fresh Fields that has just recently been rescreened as Covid has reduced the amount of new programmes that are being produced - but I digress.

annaboo2 · 28/04/2021 17:21

I’ve seen it occasionally on multiple baby forums so there’s renewed interest though I don’t believe it was ever common. That’s in its favour. I do agree with PPs though that it seems a misspelling and indeed harsher version of Esther. Not keen on either name personally.

Laaaayla · 28/04/2021 17:21

Makes me think of frasier crane. That was his mums name.

AlwaysLatte · 28/04/2021 17:23

Is it a boy's name or girl's? If girls then won't it get misheard/written as Esther?

BertieBotts · 28/04/2021 17:24

I love it, it makes me think of HDM which is one of my best book series ever.

OloBo · 28/04/2021 17:30

@Laaaayla

Makes me think of frasier crane. That was his mums name.
Ditto.

Nothing wrong with it, but I don’t love it. I’d personally be out off by the having to correct Esther to Hester.

Farmer98755 · 28/04/2021 17:33

Its a girls name @AlwaysLatte. For some reason the mishearing of Esther doesnt bother me too much as i suppose other names are also misheard and people close will know the true name.

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Parkandride · 28/04/2021 17:42

I love it, it was on our list and I loved the character in His Dark Materials

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