Girl Name · French Origin
Esme
Esme is a girl baby name of French origin, meaning "Esteemed, loved". It currently sits in the Rare tier of US baby names for 2026, and parents who love Esme often also consider Eugene.
Esme meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Esteemed, loved
Origin: French naming roots help connect Esme to related French baby names.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Esme as E·S·M·E, with 4 letters and a girl usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Esme is an uncommon, standout choice in the Rare tier.
Esme variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Esmea, Esmee, Esmey.
- Nicknames: Esme works as its own nickname.
- Middle names: Pair Esme with a middle name that balances its short sound; start with the Esme middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Eugene, Eugenia, Eugenie, Eugenio, Esmeralda — full picks on the sibling names for Esme guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Esme? Browse our names like Esme guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Esme
What does the name Esme mean?
Esme means "Esteemed, loved" and is of French origin.
What is the origin of Esme?
Esme originates in French naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Esme?
Esme has 4 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Esme a boy's or girl's name?
Esme is primarily used as a girl's name in US records.
How popular is Esme in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Esme sits in the Rare tier — an uncommon, standout choice.
What names are similar to Esme?
Names that share Esme's sound and style include Eugene, Eugenia, Eugenie, Eugenio, Esmeralda.
What middle names pair well with Esme?
Good middle-name fits for Esme pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Esme is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Esme is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Esme?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Esme share its rhythm without rhyming — Eugene, Eugenia, Eugenie all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.