Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Esau
BoyHebrew· “hairy”
- Meaning
- hairy
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- EE-saw
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,205
- US babies 2025
- 37
- Best rank
- #926 (1890)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Esau
Esau is a Hebrew name that means “hairy”.
Esau is a Hebrew name usually explained as hairy, a meaning tied to the Genesis description of him as born red and hairy. In the Bible, Esau is the elder twin brother of Jacob, a skilled hunter who trades his birthright for a bowl of stew and later reconciles with his brother. He is regarded as the ancestor of the Edomites. The name is said EE-saw in English; in Spanish, where it is written Esaú and is more commonly used, it is said eh-sah-OO. It is a rare choice in the United States. Its biblical story of rivalry and forgiveness gives it depth, while its sound is short and plain.
Popularity over time
Esau has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 5 different years. Its best national rank was #926 in 1890, and the most babies received it in 2007, when 82 were named Esau. In 2025, 37 babies were named Esau, and it ranked #3,205 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,984 in 1920, #1,626 in 1950, #2,020 in 1980, #1,616 in 2000, #2,271 in 2010, and #3,205 in 2025. Of the 2,976 US boys named Esau since records began, 22% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 409 babies. Since 2010, 636 more have been named Esau.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Terrion, Damarius, Izaya, Creighton, and Fabrizio.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Esau ranked highest in Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #1797 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Esau is usually pronounced EE-saw, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with E and ends in “-au”.
Middle names for Esau
A few middle names that flow with Esau: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Esau
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Lists that include Esau
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Esau mean?
Esau is a Hebrew name that means “hairy”.
What is the origin of the name Esau?
Esau has Hebrew roots. Esau is a Hebrew name usually explained as hairy, a meaning tied to the Genesis description of him as born red and hairy.
Is Esau a popular name?
Not especially. Esau ranked #3,205 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Esau a boy or girl name?
Esau is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Esau?
Esau is usually pronounced EE-saw. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings