Estere is the Latvian form of the name Esther.Etymology and OriginsEsther, the root of Estere, is a name of Persian origin meaning “star.” Alternatively, it may derive from the name of the Near Eastern goddess Ishtar. In the Old Testament, Queen Esther risked her life to save the Jewish people, and the annual festival of Purim commemorates her bravery.Notable BearersWhile Estere is most common among Latvian speakers, the biblical narrative gives the name a timeless trans-cultural appeal. In Latvia, the name saw usage especially after the 19th-century national awakening, when Latvian forms of biblical names were revived alongside indigenous names.Related FormsVariants include the English Hester, the English diminutive Essie, and the Swedish Ester. The Hebrew original is Hadassah.Cultural ContextThe name has Lithuanian cognates (Esterė) and Eastern Slavic forms such as Russian Esfirʼ. In Latin America, the similar Esther remains enduringly popular.Meaning: “star” or related to the goddess IshtarOrigin: Persian; Hebrew adoptionType: Biblical, feminineUsage: Latvia; occasionally in Lithuanian communities