Girl’s name · Spanish, Portuguese

Esmeralda

How to say it: ez-muh-RAL-duh · /ˌɛzməˈrældə/

From Spanish/Portuguese esmeralda meaning 'emerald'. Evokes the vivid green gemstone.

Esmeralda was the 391st most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 823 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 2000s, its births are down about 7% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #373 by 2030.

Updated October 5, 2026 · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures

#391for girls in 2025

1 in 4,028US babies

823born in 2025

#373projected for 2030

2000sits peak decade

1 in 168chance a classmate shares it

Key facts

Key facts about Esmeralda
Rank among girls’ names, 2025	#391
Babies born in 2025	823
Share of births	1 in 4,028
Peak decade	2000s
Change over 10 years	−7%
Projected rank for 2030 (estimate)	#373
In France, 2025	#756 among girls’ names, 40 births

Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.

Its life, decade by decade

After reaching a high in the 2000s, Esmeralda remains well used and close to that peak. A renewed rise is expected soon.

Peak: 838 per million births, 2000s.

What goes with it

Four rolling syllables, spoken ez muh RAL duh, give it a soft creative glow with gemstone shine and a literary touch. Esperanza makes a kindred choice.

Middle names that flow with Esmeralda →