Esmay

female

Origin

The name Esmay is of Old French origin, derived from the Old French name Esmé, which means 'esteemed' or 'loved'. It was introduced to England through Norman invasions and has variants like Esmé and Esmé in various European languages. While not originally Australian, the name has gained some popularity in contemporary Australia, especially among parents seeking vintage or classic names.

Meaning

Literal translation is 'esteemed' or 'loved'. In the Australian English context, it carries connotations of affection, admiration, and uniqueness, often chosen for its melodious sound and vintage charm.

Pronunciation

/ɛsˈmeɪ/ (Australian English pronunciation, stress on the second syllable) , with the 's' pronounced as in 'sail' and the 'ay' as in 'say'. ,  [ɛsˈmaɪ] in some regions.

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Esmée
  • Esmé
  • Esmay

Nicknames

  • Esmie
  • Esa
  • Maya

Name Days

  • 21 June (Midsummer, celebrating the mystique, though not widely observed in Australia)
  • Day of Saint Esmé (not officially recognised in the Australian calendar, but occasionally noted by Francophiles)
  • Customary name days are not widely observed in Australia, but some may celebrate in personal or cultural contexts.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with esmay:

  • Lily and Esmay,
  • Charlotte and Esmay,
  • Sophie and Esmay

Fun Facts

  • The name Esmay became more popular in Australia during the late 20th century as part of a revival of vintage and French-inspired names.
  • Australian singer Esmé and Australian actor Esmé the name has appeared in local media personalities.
  • The name has appeared in Australian literature and is appreciated for its elegant, vintage sound.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name esmay:

  • elegant
  • vintage
  • artistic
  • romantic

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a delicate, vintage aesthetic with elegant letterforms, often associated with art deco and classic styles in Australian design contexts.,

Geographical Distribution

More popular in Victoria and New South Wales, especially among families inclined towards vintage or French-influenced names, less common in Queensland and Western Australia.

Numerological Significance

Name number 4, associated with stability, organisation, and practicality. Sometimes linked to grounded, dependable personalities in numerology interpretations.

Astrological Connections

No specific zodiac associations, although numerology suggests a stabilising influence, and those with the name may be inclined towards earth signs from astrology, like Taurus or Virgo.

Historical Context

While not historically prominent in Australian history, the name gained some fame through local artists and characters in Australian literature and media. It occasionally appears in historical records as a vintage choice for girls in the early 20th century.

Linguistic Adaptability

Generally remains quite consistent across languages, with minimal variations. Spelling may adapt to local script conventions, e.g., Esmée in French contexts.

Famous People Named esmay

  • Esmé Melissa S. (Australian singer and songwriter)
  • Esmé Weijun Wang (Australian-born author)
  • Esmé the Australian fictional character in children’s literature

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2017 1