Aesop
A boy's name of Greek origin with 51 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
An Ancient Greek author, famous for the fables ascribed to him.
Aesop is a boy's baby name of Greek origin, most famously associated with the ancient Greek fabulist whose simple stories taught profound moral lessons. Aesop's name — from the Greek Aisopos — may mean 'Ethiopian' or be of uncertain origin. His fables, including 'The Tortoise and the Hare' and 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf,' have shaped Western moral thinking for over 2,500 years.
Choosing Aesop is choosing storytelling wisdom itself as a namesake. It is an audacious, literary name — the kind chosen by parents who want their child to grow up understanding that the best stories teach something true.
EtymologyShow more
Aesop appeared in SSA records in 2008, placing it in the modern era of American naming — a period when parents increasingly draw from global cultures, invent new names, and blend sounds to create something entirely original. Its Greek roots may have been the starting point, adapted or respelled to fit contemporary American tastes.
With only 51 recorded births, Aesop has not been widely studied in naming literature — its story belongs primarily to the families who chose it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Aesop has 9+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2008.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 10 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 35 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 6 | — |
The Story of Aesop
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2008, Aesop is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Aesop are most likely born between 2008 and 2018.
How rare is Aesop?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Aesop is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2008, peaked in the 2010s with 35 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Aesop by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(9 years, 2008–2021)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | #12180 |
| 2020 | 5 | #12067 |
| 2019 | 6 | #10836 |
| 2018 | 5 | #12196 |
| 2017 | 6 | #10808 |
| 2016 | 6 | #10789 |
| 2015 | 6 | #10696 |
| 2012 | 6 | #10814 |
| 2008 | 6 | #11074 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aesop a boy's or girl's name?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2008–2021