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Esai
Pronounced eh-SY /ɛˈsaɪ/Medium
Meaning: a Spanish-language name associated with Isaiah/Isaias, from Hebrew 'Yesha'yahu' meaning 'Yahweh is salvation'Low
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Esai is associated with the prophet's name Isaiah, which in Spanish takes the form Isaias and goes back to the Hebrew for 'Yahweh is salvation'. The exact path of the Esai spelling is not firmly settled, so it is best treated as a Spanish-flavored form connected to that tradition rather than a fixed classical name. What is clear is the devotional meaning behind the Isaiah family it belongs to.
The name gained recognition through the American actor Esai Morales, of Puerto Rican descent, known for La Bamba and roles in NYPD Blue, Ozark, and the Mission: Impossible films. His career has carried the spelling into wider use.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Esai Morales (1962–present)American actor of Puerto Rican descent known for films such as La Bamba and roles in NYPD Blue, Ozark, and the Mission: Impossible franchise.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Esai mean?
Esai is usually explained as meaning 'origin uncertain' and is most often linked with Spanish tradition.
How do you pronounce Esai?
It's commonly said eh-SY /ɛˈsaɪ/.
Is Esai a boy or girl name?
In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Esai is used as a boy name.
How popular is Esai?
In 2024, Esai ranked #1514 in the U.S. for boys, with 117 births recorded.