Meaning, origin, history
Esau is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "'esaw," which means "hairy." In the Bible, Esau was the twin brother of Jacob and son of Isaac and Rebekah. He is known for selling his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of lentil stew. Despite this incident, Esau later forgave his brother and they reconciled before their father's death.
The name Esau has been used throughout history by various individuals, including Esau the Canaanite king who was defeated by David, as recorded in the Old Testament. However, it is important to note that the use of this name predates its appearance in the Bible, as it was already in use among the Semitic-speaking peoples of the ancient Near East.
Today, Esau is still used as a given name, though it has become somewhat less common in recent years. It remains a strong and distinctive name with a rich historical background.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Esau since 1880
Total births
2,899
Total since 1880
Peak year
2007
82 births
in 2023
33
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+17%
↗
vs previous 5 years