Esther

A distinctive pick — fewer than 62 pets share this name.

More girlsDignifiedWiseAlso a baby name →
#1646

Meaning & Story

Esther is a Persian-origin name, possibly related to the Persian stara meaning star, though some scholars connect it to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar or the Hebrew word satar meaning hidden. The name is most famous through the Old Testament Book of Esther, where the heroine saves the Jewish people through her courage and wit.

Esther is a name of ancient power and remarkable staying power — it has been beloved for millennia without ever becoming common. The Persian possible meaning of star gives it a celestial quality, while the biblical narrative of courageous Queen Esther adds genuine gravitas. On a female pet, Esther suggests a creature of quiet dignity and hidden depth: the cat who rarely makes a fuss but commands complete respect from everyone in the household. A classic name for a pet of genuine character.

About the Pet Name Esther

NamesPop Editorial TeamBy NamesPop Editorial Team··1 min read

Esther appears 62 times at rank 1646 on female pets. It's a biblical name with Persian roots, meaning "star" in some etymological accounts, and it's currently undergoing the same vintage revival that's bringing Myrtle and Mabel back into circulation. Choosing it now is genuinely ahead of the curve.

The Vintage Revival Arc

Esther peaked as a human name in the early twentieth century, disappeared for most of the middle decades, and is now being rediscovered by owners who want something genuinely old without being tired. It belongs with Myrtle and Vera in the cohort of names that skipped a generation and came back charming rather than dated. The human-name trend is at /names/esther.

The Pop-Culture Anchor

Esther the Wonder Pig, a 600-pound pig adopted by a Toronto couple who documented her life on social media, became a genuine internet phenomenon and made the name widely visible in a warm, animal-welfare context. For pet owners, the association is unambiguously positive.

Sound and Breed Fit

ES-tur is two syllables, soft but deliberate. It suits female animals with quiet dignity and a slightly regal bearing. Cats especially carry it well, but gentle large breeds like Great Pyrenees and Newfoundlands also wear it with the right gravitas.

At a Glance

#1646
Overall Rank
62
Registered
Girls
Popular With

Popular Breeds Named Esther

Breeds that commonly use the name Esther
BreedPets Named
Labrador Retriever7
Basenji5
Terrier5

Esther's Personality

Pets named Esther are most often described as:

  • dignifiedStrong match
  • wiseCommon
  • quietSometimes
  • courageousOccasionally

Trait order based on owner reports across pet registries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Esther a good pet name?

Esther is a well-known pet name with 62 registered pets. Pets named Esther are often described as Dignified, Wise, Quiet.

Is Esther a boy or girl pet name?

Esther is more commonly given to female pets, though it can be used for any pet.

Is Esther also a human name?

Yes! Esther is both a popular pet name (ranked #1646 for pets) and a baby name. It is one of 1,600+ names shared between pets and humans on NamesPop.

Esther has two lives

Esther, the baby name
#131girls
268,912 babies
View baby page →
Esther, the pet name
#1646pet name
62 pets
Currently viewing

Last updated June 2026 · Data: NYC & Seattle pet licensing records · Methodology