← All names

Este

Girl name · 3 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Este: 3 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 3 births in 2024.

Este carries the warmth of Italian sunshine, being the affectionate short form of the Italian name *Ernesto*—itself derived from the Old High German *Ernust*, meaning “earnest” or “vigour.” Though rare in Scotland, it gained a touch of international flair through the flamboyant Estée Lauder, the cosmetics pioneer born Josephine Esther Mentzer, who transformed her own nickname into a global beauty empire. The name also echoes in the Este family, the powerful Renaissance dynasty of Ferrara, whose patronage shaped the arts of northern Italy. Interestingly, while Este is nearly identical to a Spanish word meaning “east,” its primary Scottish connection remains an exotic import rather than a native root.