Essie is a feminine given name and nickname, primarily used in English-speaking countries. It originated as a diminutive of Estelle or Esther, but over time it has been used as a standalone name and as a short form for various names such as Estella, Estrella, Esmeralda, Celeste, and even Jessica and Elizabeth. Etymology and Origins The name Essie carries the meaning of "star" through its connection to Estelle, which derives from Latin stella meaning "star." Similarly, Esther—a Biblical name—is often associated with the Persian word for "star" or the Hebrew word for "hidden." According to Wikipedia, the name Essie can also be found in several languages, including Romance, Germanic, and Persian ones, consistently meaning "star." Popularity and Usage Essie gained notable popularity in the United States during the 1890s, peaking as the 139th most popular name for girls born in that decade. Its vintage charm has seen occasional revivals in later periods, drawing from the 19th-century resurgence of names like Estelle and Estella, popularized partly by Charles Dickens' character Estella Havisham in Great Expectations (1860). Notable Bearers Several notable women have borne the name Essie. Essie Ackland (1896–1975) was an Australian singer. Essie Coffey (1940–1998) was an Australian Muruwari woman and co-founder of the Western Aboriginal Legal Service. Essie Davis (born 1970) is an acclaimed Australian actress. Essie Garrett (1947–2014) was an American ultramarathon runner. Essie Jain is an English indie singer-songwriter. These bearers span diverse fields including music, activism, and sports. Related Forms Variants and related names include Esta as a variant, and names in other languages such as Biblical Hebrew 'Ester, Dutch Hester, Swedish Ester, Slovak Stela, and Catalan Estel. The multicultural forms reflect the name's broad appeal across different regions. Meaning: "star" (via Estelle) Origin: Diminutive of Estelle or Esther Type: Given name / nickname Usage regions: English-speaking countries, with historical popularity in the U.S.