What does Esau mean and where does it come from?
Esau is of Hebrew origin, spelled in Hebrew as עֵשָׂו. The name means 'hairy', which is derived from the Biblical character Esau, who is described in the Book of Genesis as having been born with a full head of hair. Esau is a significant figure in Judeo-Christian traditions, often associated with th
Cultural significance
Esau has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hairy.
Peak popularity
Reached #934 in 1890 — currently #3205 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Esau?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Esau?
Esau works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Esau Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Esau John
One syllable · timeless choice
Esau Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Esau Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Esau Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Esau Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Esau right now?
Falling — down 140 spots — currently #3205 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3205 | 37 | ▼ down 140 · -7% births |
| 2024 | #3065 | 40 | ▲ up 427 · +21% births |
| 2023 | #3492 | 33 | ▼ down 609 · -25% births |
| 2022 | #2883 | 44 | ▲ up 435 · +26% births |
| 2021 | #3318 | 35 | ▼ down 265 · -5% births |
| 2020 | #3053 | 37 | ▼ down 92 · -5% births |
| 2015 | #2961 | 39 | ▼ down 701 · -32% births |
| 2010 | #2260 | 57 | ▼ down 276 · -10% births |
| 2005 | #1984 | 63 | ▼ down 377 · -14% births |
| 2000 | #1607 | 73 | ▲ up 839 · +135% births |
| 1995 | #2446 | 31 | ▼ down 663 · -30% births |
| 1990 | #1783 | 44 | ▲ up 580 · +100% births |
| 1985 | #2363 | 22 | ▼ down 350 · -19% births |
| 1980 | #2013 | 27 | ▲ up 640 · +80% births |
| 1975 | #2653 | 15 | — |
The story of Esau
Esau has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 2,786 total births recorded, Esau remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #965 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3492 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Esau in 1890:
Esau by decade
Esau peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 10 | |
| 1890s | 28 | |
| 1900s | 34 | |
| 1910s | 127 | |
| 1920s | 156 | |
| 1930s | 150 | |
| 1940s | 160 | |
| 1950s | 155 | |
| 1960s | 115 | |
| 1970s | 148 | |
| 1980s | 245 | |
| 1990s | 368 | |
| 2000s ★ | 644 | |
| 2010s | 409 | |
| 2020s | 114 | |
💎With 2,786 total births, Esau is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Esau?
Famous people named Esau
E(
Esau (historical community leader)
Esau led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
E(
Esau (historical figure)
Esau bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Esau?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Esau also consider these
How is Esau written in other languages?
עֵשָׂו
Ancient Hebrew), Ησαυ (Ancient Greek
Common questions about the name Esau
What does the name Esau mean?
Esau means "hairy" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Esau?
Esau is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Esau?
Esau originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Esau?
Esau is a two-syllable name pronounced EE-saw. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Esau a common or rare name?
Esau is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.