[name_u]Love[/name_u] both names.
[name_m]Feel[/name_m] that [name_u]Esme[/name_u] is prettier sounding name but less unusual than [name_f]Astrid[/name_f]. [name_m]Feel[/name_m] [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] doesn’t sound as pretty but is more unusual and a strong name.
Any thoughts appreciated!
A hard choice! They both have lovely meanings and are very international. [name_u]Esme[/name_u] is more girly perhaps, it’s very pretty but I find it harder to picture on a grown up? I see ballet shoes, laughter, friendship bracelets. [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] is a solid, strong name with more of an adventurous feeling. Confidence, starry skies and pine forests.
In terms of popularity, it really depends where you are located - [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] is number 438 in the US and [name_u]Esme[/name_u] is 379, so there’s not much to choose between them. Whereas in the UK [name_u]Esme[/name_u] is in the top 50 and [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] is 240, a much bigger difference!
I like both. I feel like [name_u]Esme[/name_u] is more on trend or more popular currently because of [name_u]Twilight[/name_u].
[name_f]Astrid[/name_f] is so pretty and I always picture flowers , I feel like it is less popular and I don’t see it shooting up the charts. There was a princess of [name_u]Sweden[/name_u] named [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] !
I prefer [name_u]Esme[/name_u] (especially when spelt Esmé). It’s warmer.
I prefer the sound of [name_f]Astrid[/name_f]. Both are pretty!
Such a hard choice! I love them both. When it comes right down to it, I’d lean slightly toward [name_u]Esme[/name_u] (spelled Esmé) as it feels a bit easier to wear in real life. But they are both wonderful!
love this description!! I prefer Astrid. Spunky, regal, mystical.
i love both these names! i can see why it’s a difficult decision. i think [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] and [name_u]Esme[/name_u] are both beautiful names in their own ways.
[name_u]Esme[/name_u] feels elegant and put together. it feels very light and breezy. i picture a sunny hill top with clear skies and a light breeze, dainty flowers like daisies and baby’s breath, and a picnic with honey toast and tea.
[name_f]Astrid[/name_f] is strong and indepentdent. it feels solid and sturdy. i picture a sturdy wooden table in a candlelit room, decorated with roses and zinnias, with hot cocoa in red mugs.
i love both of these names a lot but i think i prefer [name_u]Esme[/name_u], personally.
Oh, that’s a tough one, they’re both so cool…I’m going to have to say [name_u]Esme[/name_u] though.
I like the cool, starry and bright feel of [name_f]Astrid[/name_f]!
Both a great for different reasons I think the happy medium is [name_f]Enid[/name_f] but that’s a bold choice. You’re probably better going with [name_u]Esme[/name_u] instead.
Comparing [name_u]Esme[/name_u] and [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] feels like comparing apples and oranges to me. [name_f]My[/name_f] preference is definitely [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] - so bold and spunky and lively.
Obsessed with [name_u]Esme[/name_u] atm but it’s very popular in the UK (Top 30 I’m pretty sure) so Esma/Esmeralda are on my list instead. [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] is unique and cute but doesn’t sound good in my other language so that’s to consider if you speak multiple languages and it’s been ruined by a jewellery store UK [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] & [name_f]Miyu[/name_f] for me 
Both are gorgeous! This is a toughie 
[name_f]Astrid[/name_f] is strong, graceful, queen like, has a cool European flair and a beautiful meaning. For me [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] reminds me of snowy mountain tops, beautiful lakes, ski slopes and majestic architecture. I can see an [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] being strong, capable, business like, elegant and intelligent a no nonsense kind of woman who can hold herself in a boardroom. [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] belongs to someone who is career orientated and successful.
[name_u]Esme[/name_u] is bright, feminine, whimsical and has a sweet melodic sound. I can see why we in the UK are in love with her she is delightful. When I think of [name_u]Esme[/name_u] I think of ballet, lace, beautiful ball gowns and giggling girls eating sugared almonds. She’s sweet, playful and has a European princess vibe which is something I love and look for with my names.
[name_f]My[/name_f] favourite is [name_u]Esme[/name_u] because aesthetically she matches up to what I love in a name.
I just don’t think [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] has a nice sound. Much prefer [name_u]Esme[/name_u]. I’ve actually never met an [name_u]Esme[/name_u]!
[name_f]Astrid[/name_f] is actually fairly popular, I’ve had two friends name their daughters [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] in the last 5 years and I’ve also encountered another few in school.
I’ve only ever met two people called [name_u]Esme[/name_u] and I think it is prettier in meaning, aesthetics and sound 
so I would go [name_u]Esme[/name_u]
I love how strong [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] is. [name_u]Esme[/name_u] is nice but it’s not got as much oomph in my opinion!
Thanks for all the responses so far!
I’m a bit stuck as we love both names but I think I mildly prefer [name_u]Esme[/name_u] and my other half prefers [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] so I’m worried one of us might have name regret.
[name_u]Esme[/name_u], pronounced Ezmie (the Scottish way), rather then the [name_u]French[/name_u] [name_f]Esmay[/name_f].
[name_f]Astrid[/name_f] used to be on my list, but fell off over time, I just can’t get past that ass- sound. I now much prefer [name_f]Ingrid[/name_f], which has a nicer sound (imo) and is more timeless / less trendy.
I adore [name_f]Astrid[/name_f]. It’s regal and strong and gives me Viking vibes.