Esther
Esther (name) means a female given name, also the name of a book in the Hebrew Bible and Old Testament about a Jewish queen of Persia. Example: “Her grandmother was named Esther, after the biblical queen.”
How to use Esther
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA traditional female name, and the heroine of the biblical Book of Esther.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her grandmother was named _____, after the biblical queen.
Etymology
From Hebrew, possibly connected to the Persian word for "star," and linked by some scholars to the goddess name Ishtar.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “Esther” mean?
The word “Esther” means a female given name, also the name of a book in the Hebrew Bible and Old Testament about a Jewish queen of Persia. In plain terms, a traditional female name, and the heroine of the biblical Book of Esther.
How do you pronounce “Esther”?
“Esther” is pronounced EHS-tuh (/ˈɛstɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Esther” in a sentence?
Here is “Esther” used in a sentence: “Her grandmother was named Esther, after the biblical queen.”
What part of speech is “Esther”?
“Esther” is a name.
Where does the word “Esther” come from?
The word “Esther” comes from Persian. From Hebrew, possibly connected to the Persian word for "star," and linked by some scholars to the goddess name Ishtar.
Is “Esther” a common word?
“Esther” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Is Esther a name from the Bible?
Yes, Esther is the name of a Jewish queen of Persia in the Hebrew Bible and Old Testament, whose story is told in the Book of Esther. The given name has been used ever since in reference to this biblical figure.
What is the Book of Esther about?
The Book of Esther tells the story of a Jewish queen of Persia who used her position to save her people from a plot to destroy them.
Is Esther used as a name outside Jewish and Christian traditions?
While Esther originates from the Hebrew Bible and remains popular in Jewish and Christian communities, it has become a widely used given name across many cultures due to its long history and pleasant sound.
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