Origin of the name Esme: Derived from the French esmé (loved), the past participle of the verb esmer (to love). Alternatively, some believe the name to be a variant of Aimé (beloved). From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman.
Unusual old germanic compound name possibly meaning ice or iron maiden. In use since the 13th cntury in England (spelled variously Ysemay, Isemay, Ysmay and Isamaya), Ismay is possibly related to the name Ismenia.
