"hairy, rough"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Esau
Pronunciation: [ EES-aw ]
Does Esau flow with your last name?
A rare biblical name with ancient rugged appeal
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Meaning & Origin
"completed, finished"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
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Things to Know About This Name
- In Genesis, Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of stew — may carry connotations of impulsiveness in religious contexts
The Story of Esau
Esau is an ancient Hebrew name, possibly meaning 'hairy' or 'rough,' reflecting his physical description at birth in the Book of Genesis. Esau was the elder twin son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the brother of Jacob. His life — skilled hunter, beloved by his father, who traded his birthright for lentil stew and later reconciled with his brother — is one of the most complex portraits in the Hebrew Bible. Some scholars also link the name to a root meaning 'completed' or 'made.'
Esau remains uncommon but is occasionally chosen by families who favor rare biblical names. Its scarcity makes it distinctive among religious name choices, appealing to those who want deep scriptural roots without the common names.
In Jewish tradition, Esau is associated with the nation of Edom. In Christian interpretation, the story of Esau and Jacob has been read allegorically in various ways across the centuries. Esau appears in all three Abrahamic faiths.
Historical Record
Esau first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 2,274 babies have been named Esau in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Esau is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #3,082 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Esau appears as a significant figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
- Some Hebrew scholars connect Esau's name to a root meaning 'completed' or 'finished,' referring to his birth as the first twin
Esau in Other Languages
Greek
Ησαύ
Latin
Esau
Arabic
عيسو
Hebrew
עֵשָׂו
Popularity Over Time
#3,082
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Esau
E
Esau
Other
Elder twin son of Isaac and Rebekah in the Book of Genesis, hunter and ancestor of the Edomites according to biblical tr...
Elder twin son of Isaac and Rebekah in the Book of Genesis, hunter and ancestor of the Edomites according to biblical tradition
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,082
- Total SSA Count
- 40
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Christian Biblical
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, Christian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Esau
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Esau
What does the name Esau mean?
"hairy, rough" (from Hebrew). "completed, finished" (from Hebrew). Esau is an ancient Hebrew name, possibly meaning 'hairy' or 'rough,' reflecting his physical description at birth in the Book of Genesis. Esau was the elder twin son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the brother of Jacob. His life — skilled hunter, beloved by his father, who traded his birthright for lentil stew and later reconciled with his brother — is one of the most complex portraits in the Hebrew Bible. Some scholars also link the name to a root meaning 'completed' or 'made.'
What is the origin of the name Esau?
Esau has Hebrew, Jewish, Christian, and Biblical origins. In Hebrew, it means "hairy, rough". In Hebrew, it means "completed, finished".
Is Esau a boy or girl name?
Esau is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Esau?
Esau is pronounced EES-aw.
How popular is the name Esau?
Esau is currently ranked #3082 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Esau?
Popular middle name pairings include Esau James, Esau John, Esau David, Esau Michael, Esau Thomas, and Esau Samuel.
What are good sibling names for Esau?
Names that pair well with Esau as siblings include Jacob, Isaac, Ruth, Miriam, Caleb, and Leah.
How many syllables does Esau have?
Esau has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Esau a common or rare name?
Esau is an uncommon name, ranked #3082 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Esau?
About the Name Esau
Esau is a boy name with Jewish, Christian, and Biblical origins . The name means "hairy, rough" in Hebrew .
Esau is currently ranked #3,082 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Esau has 2 syllables and is pronounced EES-aw, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Esau include Esai, Esaias, Esa . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis