Eshu

messenger of the gods — Associated with communication and trickery in the pantheon of Afri
Yoruba origin · Unisex name
50% boys50% girls
#1736US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.3%Percentile

What does Eshu mean and where does it come from?

Eshu is derived from the Yoruba deity associated with communication and trickery in the pantheon of African traditional religions.

Cultural significance
Eshu is significant in Yoruba culture as a deity who facilitates communication between humans and the divine, often represented in rituals and folklore.
Peak popularity
Reached #1736 in 2015 — currently #1736 in the US.
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Related Reading
Yoruba-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Eshu?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Eshu?

Eshu works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Eshu Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Eshu John
One syllable · timeless choice
Eshu Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Eshu Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Eshu Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Eshu Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Eshu
Browse ideas →

How popular is Eshu right now?

Holding steady — currently #1736 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1736 · Top 1.3%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#173610stable
2022#173610stable
2021#173610stable
2020#173610stable
2019#173610
💎Eshu is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

Common questions about the name Eshu

What does the name Eshu mean?
Eshu means "messenger of the gods" — a name rooted in Yoruba 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 Eshu?
Eshu is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Eshu?
Eshu originates from Yoruba tradition. Yoruba names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Eshu a common or rare name?
Eshu is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Eshu more of a girl or boy name?
Eshu is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.