I really like this name although it is quite different (less frilly and more “studious”) than my daughter [name_f]Eulalie[/name_f]'s name. I was hoping to get some opinions on it, especially because we are atheists and so have avoided obvious religious/biblical names when naming our kids (apart from [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] which was a family name). Is it okay to use [name_f]Esther[/name_f] in our predicament?
[name_f]Esther[/name_f] and [name_f]Eulalie[/name_f] are great together in my opinion! I wouldn’t mind the bible reference honestly.
[name_f]Esther[/name_f] is both simple and beautiful. I think it’s perfectly fine to use it even if you’re not religious… it’s been around for so long!
I’m an atheist as well, and [name_f]Esther[/name_f] is a wonderful name to me! I’d say to use the name if you love it enough to overlook the associations. If the potential associations bothers you more than your love of the name, than I’d say no.
Would love some more feedback on darling [name_f]Esther[/name_f]!
[name_f]Esther[/name_f] is beautiful! I know someone who has an [name_f]Esther[/name_f] [name_f]Pearl[/name_f], and I’ve always loved that combo. I think it’s a sweet name with a sweet nickname: [name_f]Essie[/name_f]. [name_f]Eulalie[/name_f] and [name_f]Esther[/name_f] sound like they were meant to be. 
I absolutely love [name_f]Esther[/name_f]. Personally i think the biblical story is pretty cool, but I can understand your concerns. Luckily [name_f]Esther[/name_f] doesn’t feel overly religious. I think [name_f]Esther[/name_f] has more of an old-lady connotation than a biblical connotation. In other words, it seems more vintage than religious.
I’m a [name_m]Christian[/name_m], and when I see [name_f]Esther[/name_f] I do automatically think of the Bible story. However, Bible [name_f]Esther[/name_f] is the only [name_f]Esther[/name_f] with whom I’ve ever been familiar. Once people get to know your daughter [name_f]Esther[/name_f], they’ll be associating the name with her.
And even though you’re atheists, [name_f]Esther[/name_f] from the Bible was a remarkable female figure of her time— she was brave and stood up to the king to prevent a mass genocide—so she’s not a bad namesake!
I have sentiments similar to those of @beachbear. I’m a [name_m]Christian[/name_m], so my main frame of reference for this name is the Bible. I do know an [name_f]Esther[/name_f], who must be 15 or so now, but she was named after [name_f]Esther[/name_f] in the bible. A friend recently named her puppy [name_f]Esther[/name_f]…after the same person. Honestly, I feel like this is one name that is very much so tied to religion. Something like [name_f]Anna[/name_f] or [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], not so much but [name_f]Esther[/name_f] is, in my opinion.
I suppose you wouldn’t have to be upfront with the bit of information, though. If anyone asks, you could just share what drew you to the name. It should be okay.
I’m an agnostic/atheist and I love the name [name_f]Esther[/name_f]. I know an [name_f]Esther[/name_f] and she is so sweet. It’s a very cute name!
I think [name_f]Eulalie[/name_f] and [name_f]Esther[/name_f] soynd wonderful together. I am not religious myself, but I think it’s ok to use [name_f]Esther[/name_f].
[name_f]Eulalie[/name_f] and [name_f]Esther[/name_f] sound great together!
I think [name_f]Esther[/name_f] is a lovely name and I like the fact that it is different to [name_f]Eulalie[/name_f] as your daughters will both be individuals so that is reflected in their names (I hope that makes sense?)
I personally think [name_f]Esther[/name_f] is an underrated name (but that can be a good thing!) that is classic yet appears fresh and goes really well with [name_m]Marvin[/name_m], [name_u]Max[/name_u] & [name_f]Eulalie[/name_f]!
In terms of the religious connotations, I personally don’t see an issue (however I am not religious myself) and a lot of classic names are in the bible, so it just depends on whether or not it bothers you, (plus biblical [name_f]Esther[/name_f] sounds like a good namesake).
I say go for it!!
Thank you everyone! I’m so glad [name_f]Esther[/name_f]'s been receiving so much love. I love E names, so never thought choosing a second one would be so hard. I feel like the other E names feel either too unisex or share too many sounds with [name_f]Eulalie[/name_f]. We would probably be using [name_f]Estie[/name_f] or Etsy as a nickname for [name_f]Esther[/name_f].
While considering [name_f]Esther[/name_f] in the context of your other children’s names, I doubt anyone would necessarily think that it was a biblical reference. Likely they will see that you were going for something classic and beginning with the letter “E” to go with big sis.
Also - your choice of 1-2 middle names - with no biblical connection at all - will provide the balance I think you’re seeking.
I like [name_f]Esther[/name_f], though the elaborated form Esterina is more my style. I like the nickname [name_f]Estie[/name_f].
Since it’s a traditional name in [name_m]Britain[/name_m] I wouldn’t assume an [name_f]Esther[/name_f] had religious parents.
I completely agree with this and also, congratulations on having kids with such awesome names! I love [name_m]Marvin[/name_m] and [name_f]Eulalie[/name_f]!
Another atheist here and [name_f]Esther[/name_f] is a lovely name. I wouldn’t make a big deal out of the biblical reference. I do also like [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] which is in the same sort of family of names in my mind.
I’m so excited that [name_f]Esther[/name_f] has been receiving so many praises and approval and I’m glad you guys think it’s a perfect match with [name_u]Max[/name_u], [name_m]Marvin[/name_m] and [name_f]Eulalie[/name_f]! I’ll be creating a new thread with hopefully a poll if I can figure out how to create one, with our other front runners and share with you guys some of the middle name combinations we’ve been coming up with.