Esteri

Esteri is the Finnish form of Esther, a name whose ultimate origin is debated but most likely derives from the Hebrew name Hadassah or from a Persian root meaning star. It is best known through the biblical figure Esther, the Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus whose story is recounted in the Book of Esther. The name has been used in Finland since the spread of biblical naming traditions and enjoyed particular popularity in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Related forms include Ester, Esther, and Hester.