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Baby names

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

Original poster

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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ChelseaCat · 28/04/2021 18:50

Ohhh I like Hester but really like Hestia @Llyn - thanks!

Mustangsallyis · 28/04/2021 19:07

Love it! Had only met one before, a friend of a friend at university, but now have a close relative with that name Smile

SpeakFriendAndEnter · 28/04/2021 19:08

I think their is a Jilly Cooper short story with a main character called Hester. I like it. It's different and conjures up images of a forthright young lady who is passionate and feisty lol

SpeakFriendAndEnter · 28/04/2021 19:09

There not their! Argh!

Constance11 · 28/04/2021 19:13

My friend has a two year old called Hester and if I had a £ for every time I've heard her say to someone 'no not Esther' I would be very rich. Personally I think it's quite an ugly sounding name, but some people probably don't like my kids' names either! If you like a name then just use it :)

NoSquirrels · 28/04/2021 19:18

Absolutely love it. Would name a baby this in a heartbeat- despite all the people who don’t like it!

Leytonladee · 28/04/2021 19:20

I think it's great. I went to school with one; she was clever, hippy-ish and cool.

Synchrony · 28/04/2021 19:21

I really like it. First thought is the character in The Greengage Summer.

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 28/04/2021 19:22

I love it. It used to remind me of an L M Montgomery short story (called, I think "Hester Greg's Garden"), but it now reminds me of a small family member who has that name.

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 28/04/2021 19:23

In contrast I really dislike Esther.

AgeLikeWine · 28/04/2021 19:24

‘No, it’s Hester, not Esther. H E S T E R. Hester.”

Repeat ad Infinitum for 80+ years....

Saltyslug · 28/04/2021 19:26

Like it

HandforthParishCouncilClerk · 28/04/2021 19:27

Hester Prynne, fallen woman in ‘The Scarlet Letter’

PurBal · 28/04/2021 19:30

I like it. I also like Esther and Easter.

MolyHolyGuacamole · 28/04/2021 20:31

A ghost.

Original poster
Farmer98755 · 28/04/2021 20:34

Thankyou everyone- the response is a lot more positive than expected Smile

OP posts:
GreyhoundG1rl · 28/04/2021 20:37

Easter?

Willdoitlater · 28/04/2021 20:38

Love it. Timeless, elegant, not trying too hard.

elfran · 28/04/2021 20:57

Love it, was on the list for my 8 week old baby (though admittedly, it was DH's least fave of our options). Went with an equally marmite/"harsh" name instead. I'm keeping Hester in mind for any future DDs!

Persipan · 28/04/2021 21:14

I really like it. My mind goes to both His Dark Materials and Mortal Engines.

DramaAlpaca · 28/04/2021 21:27

I've only ever met one. She was quite posh.

I like it, it's strong but feminine too. I prefer it to Esther.

GreyhoundG1rl · 28/04/2021 21:27

It does sound quite posh, actually.

HuntingoftheSnark · 28/04/2021 21:30

@Synchrony

I really like it. First thought is the character in The Greengage Summer.
I'd forgotten her!
FenceSplinters · 28/04/2021 21:36

It’s a great name.

Talkwhilstyouwalk · 28/04/2021 21:39

I find it quite harsh to be honest. And it rhymes with fester, pester.....