Esme is a name of Scottish origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is believed to have been derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "smug", which means "to love" or "cherished". The name Esme is also sometimes associated with the French word "espoir", meaning "hope".
The name Esme first appeared in Scottish literature in the 18th century, but it was not widely used as a given name until much later. In recent years, however, Esme has become increasingly popular, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States.
One notable historical figure with the name Esme is Esmé Stewart, Duchess of Richmond and Lennox, who was a member of the Scottish nobility in the 16th century. She was known for her beauty and intelligence, and was a close friend and advisor to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Today, Esme continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter. Its association with love and cherished is sure to make it a beloved name for generations to come.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe an intriguing trend regarding the number of babies named Esme born annually in the United States over the past century.
The name Esme first appears in the data in 1913 with five births. This number remains consistent until 1971 when it increases slightly to six births in both 1975 and 1976. The year 1981 marks a significant turning point, with sixteen babies named Esme born that year, more than doubling the previous peak.
Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, the number of newborn girls named Esme fluctuates between five and nineteen births per year. However, it is in the late 1990s and early 2000s that we begin to see a consistent upward trend.
In 1997, twenty-two babies were named Esme, increasing to forty-five in 1999. This momentum continues into the new millennium, with sixty-seven births in 2002 and seventy-six in 2003. The number of newborn girls named Esme exceeds one hundred for the first time in 2006, with 105 births that year.
The years between 2008 and 2022 witness an exponential growth in the popularity of the name Esme. In 2008, there were 154 babies named Esme at birth, a figure that more than doubles to 342 in 2014. By 2022, this number has reached an impressive 1050 births, indicating a significant increase in the name's popularity over recent decades.
In conclusion, while the name Esme started off as relatively uncommon with only five births per year until the mid-1970s, its popularity has steadily increased since then. The late 20th century and early 21st century have seen a significant rise in babies named Esme born annually in the United States, with 2022 marking an all-time high of 1050 births.