Esau

♂ Boy

Pronounced EE-saw /ˈiː.sɔː/High

Meaning: From the Hebrew name Esav, meaning hairy or rough, a reference to the biblical patriarch Esau who was born covered in red hair; twin brother of Jacob in the Book of GenesisHigh

In 30 seconds: Esau is an ancient Hebrew name meaning hairy or rough, borne by the patriarch who famously sold his birthright for a bowl of stew — a bold, rare biblical choice with rugged character.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningFrom the Hebrew name Esav, meaning hairy or rough, a reference to the biblical patriarch Esau who was born covered in red hair; twin brother of Jacob in the Book of Genesis

U.S. rank (2024)#3055 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births40 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2007

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,939

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Esau is the English form of the Hebrew Esav, meaning hairy or rough. He was the elder twin son of Isaac and Rebekah in the Book of Genesis, who sold his birthright to his brother Jacob for a bowl of red lentil stew. This dramatic story gave Esau a complex biblical legacy — both tragic figure and founder of a nation.

Despite his ambiguous narrative role, Esau appeared as a given name among Puritan and early American settlers who valued Old Testament names for their sons. It was in modest use through the 19th century and has remained an uncommon but genuine choice for parents seeking a rare biblical name with rugged, outdoorsy associations and a distinctive sound.

Did you know? In Genesis, Esau is described as being born red and hairy, and later as a skilled hunter — traits so linked to his name that the Bible itself offers an etymology: Esav from a root suggesting hairiness. He became the legendary ancestor of the Edomites.

Overall data confidence 93%

Behind the Name — Esau — Hebrew etymology and biblical contextThe Bible, Genesis 25–27 — primary narrative source

Variations

EsavEsaias

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Esau (biblical)
The elder twin son of Isaac and Rebekah in the Book of Genesis who sold his birthright to his brother Jacob and is regarded as the ancestor of the Edomites.

If you like Esau…

Ezra— same short Hebrew biblical name with ancient gravitas

Amos— fellow rare Old Testament name with two syllables

Abel— shares the biblical twin-narrative context and vintage sound

Cain— same Genesis-era naming tradition and rugged one-word feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Esau mean?

Esau comes from Hebrew and means hairy or rough, describing the biblical patriarch who was born covered in red hair.

How do you pronounce Esau?

It is pronounced EE-saw, two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Esau a boy or girl name?

Esau is used exclusively as a boys name.

How popular is Esau?

Esau is a rare but genuine name in English-speaking countries, most common among families who favor unusual Old Testament names.