origins
The last name Hester has different origins dependent on the region. Those with the last name tend to be of Germanic origin, though where it comes from is unclear. Most cite the Germanic origin to mean heister or beech tree, indicating someone who lived near a prominent beech tree; but it also possibly came from the same root as heißen meaning town crier. For those of Irish origin, more found in County Mayo, comes from Anglicized Gaelic Ó hOistir or descendant of Oistir. It is the 869th most common last name in the United States.
-Jeffry J. Hester