HESTER
Hester
Origin and Meaning
Hester is an English surname derived from the medieval female given name "Esther". The given name "Esther" itself is of Persian origin, coming from the Old Persian word "star". The name was popularised in England after the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, owing to its Biblical associations with Queen Esther in the Old Testament.
Distribution and History
The surname Hester is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions with historical connections to the British Empire such as England, Scotland, and Wales. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand through migration and colonisation.
Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Hester have been involved in various professions and pursuits, ranging from agriculture and trade to academia and the arts. Notable bearers of the surname include the American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne, whose birth name was Nathaniel Hathorne before changing it to Hawthorne, a variant of Hester.
Coat of Arms
The Hester family coat of arms is characterised by traditional heraldic elements such as a shield, crest, helm, and motto. The shield is typically divided into sections featuring symbols and colours that hold significance to the family's history and values.
Modern Significance
Today, the surname Hester continues to be passed down through generations, serving as a link to ancestral heritage and family pride. Many individuals with the surname Hester are actively engaged in genealogical research to uncover their roots and connections to the broader historical tapestry of the British Isles.
In conclusion, the surname Hester stands as a testament to the enduring influence of tradition, history, and lineage in shaping individual and familial identities within the diverse fabric of British society.
There are approximately 2,208 people named Hester in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,882nd most common surname in Britain. Around 34 in a million people in Britain are named Hester.
Surname type: Occupational name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Simon
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Amanda
- Catherine
- Eileen
- Elizabeth
- Julie
- Karen
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
- Valerie
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.