The name reached its all-time peak in 2017 with 502 births ranking #107. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
Esmae is a modern variant of Esme with the same soft, admired feeling. It sounds graceful and visually distinctive while keeping the same emotional tone.
This form rose as parents adapted the elegant simplicity of Esme into spellings that looked a little fuller or softer. Its appeal is mainly stylistic rather than historical.