Esra
Primarily a girl's name of Hebrew origin with 595 recorded births. Also given to 26 boys.
Meaning & Origin
Ezra (Biblical figure)
Esra is a girl's and boy's baby name of Hebrew origin, the Turkish form of Ezra, meaning 'help' or 'helper' — from the Hebrew Azra/Ezra. In the Hebrew Bible, Ezra was a scribe and priest who led a group of Jewish exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem, restoring religious practice and scripture.
While Ezra has become a fashionable boys' name in Western naming, Esra is its Turkish feminine form, used widely in Turkey and among Turkish diaspora communities. Its soft sound and helpful meaning make it a name of quiet but meaningful character — understated and beautiful in its simplicity.
EtymologyShow more
Esra is cataloged under the Hebrew naming tradition. Hebrew names often carry theological significance — many embed references to God, virtues, or blessings within their structure.
In the U.S., Esra has been recorded as a girl's name since 1982, with 595 total births. Browse the Hebrew names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Esra climbed 4749 spots in the last 20 years — from #7523 to #2774.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 208 | #3777 | ▲ |
| 2010s | 179 | #7362 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 92 | #10705 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 81 | #10214 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 35 | #10617 | — |
The Story of Esra
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2024, Esra is a fresh, modern favorite. Girls named Esra are most likely born between 2014 and 2024.
How rare is Esra?
Only about 1 in every 59,016 babies born in 2024 was named Esra — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1982, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2020s with 208 births that decade.
Esra by the numbers
- Would fill 12 school buses
- Meeting one Esra per day would take 1.6 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(40 years, 1982–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 61 | #2774 |
| 2023 | 38 | #3928 |
| 2022 | 35 | #4143 |
| 2021 | 45 | #3457 |
| 2020 | 29 | #4583 |
| 2019 | 21 | #5855 |
| 2018 | 29 | #4691 |
| 2017 | 17 | #6897 |
| 2016 | 24 | #5502 |
| 2015 | 14 | #8142 |
| 2014 | 12 | #9152 |
| 2013 | 23 | #5713 |
| 2012 | 9 | #11575 |
| 2011 | 17 | #7216 |
| 2010 | 13 | #8877 |
| 2009 | 12 | #9577 |
| 2008 | 10 | #11053 |
| 2007 | 8 | #13064 |
| 2006 | 7 | #14043 |
| 2005 | 7 | #13453 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Esra as a Boy's Name
While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Esra has also been given to 26 boys in the U.S. since 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Esra a boy's or girl's name?
When was Esra most popular?
How popular is the name Esra?
Can Esra be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1982–2024