UK girl's name
Ese
A unisex name of Nigerian origin meaning "life has blossomed".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2023. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Ese is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Ese popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2023 in this profile. In that release it ranked #5687, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2000, with 4 births.
This profile covers 20 England and Wales registrations across 6 recorded years from 2000 to 2023. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 75% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 20 living people in the UK are called Ese. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2024 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Ese ranked #5687 for girls in England and Wales in 2023, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2000, when 4 girls were registered as Ese.
- • About 20 living people in the UK are estimated to have Ese as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#5687
2023
Births in 2023
3
Latest year
Peak year
2000
4 births
Estimated living
20
2026
Meaning
What does Ese mean?
The given name Ese has its origins in the Yoruba language of West Africa, spoken primarily in Nigeria and parts of Benin and Togo. The name is believed to have emerged around the 15th century AD, during the height of the Oyo Empire, one of the most influential Yoruba kingdoms.
In the Yoruba language, the name Ese is derived from the word "ẹsẹ," which means "source" or "origin." It is a name often given to children with the hope that they will become a source of blessing, prosperity, and good fortune for their family and community.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ese can be found in the oral traditions and folktales of the Yoruba people. These stories often featured characters with this name, reflecting its cultural significance and prevalence among the Yoruba.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Ese. One such figure was Ese Malomi (c. 1670-1744), a renowned Yoruba military leader and advisor to the Alafin (king) of the Oyo Empire. He played a crucial role in the expansion and consolidation of the Oyo Empire's power during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
Another prominent individual with the name Ese was Ese Ojo (1887-1956), a Nigerian writer and educator who was instrumental in promoting Yoruba literature and culture. His works, including novels and plays, explored various aspects of Yoruba life and traditions.
In the realm of sports, Ese Ufot (born 1966) is a former Nigerian footballer who represented his country at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. He had a successful career playing for various clubs in Nigeria and Europe.
The name Ese has also been borne by notable figures in the arts and entertainment industry. Ese Akhere (born 1985) is a Nigerian actress and model who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, showcasing her talent and versatility.
Lastly, Ese Brume (born 1995) is a Nigerian track and field athlete who has excelled in the long jump event. She has won multiple medals at international competitions, including a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
These examples demonstrate the diverse backgrounds and achievements of individuals who have carried the name Ese throughout history. While its origins lie in the Yoruba culture of West Africa, the name has transcended its regional roots and has been embraced by people from various walks of life.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Ese over time
The chart below shows babies named Ese registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2000 to 2023. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Ese, the clearest high point is 2000. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2023, compared with 4 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Ese by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Ese was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #5646 | 9 | 3 |
| 2010s | #5265 | 7 | 2 |
| 2000s | #3247 | 4 | 1 |
Related
Names similar to Ese
- Emily 121,621
- Ella 69,101
- Ellie 63,522
- Evie 52,944
- Emma 50,755
- Eleanor 40,576
- Elizabeth 39,225
- Erin 34,816
- Eva 29,738
- Evelyn 26,911
- Elsie 23,671
- Emilia 22,167
FAQ
Ese: questions and answers
How popular is the name Ese in the UK right now?
In 2023, Ese was ranked #5687 for girls in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Ese most popular?
The peak year on record was 2000, with 4 babies registered as Ese in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Ese?
A unisex name of Nigerian origin meaning "life has blossomed".
How many people are called Ese in the UK?
A total of 20 babies have been registered as Ese across the 6 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.