An uncommon Hebrew pick — distinctive and rare.
The son of Isaac and Rebekah and the older twin brother of Jacob.
Esau is a boy's baby name of Hebrew origin meaning 'hairy' or 'rough,' describing the physical appearance at birth of Isaac and Rebekah's firstborn son. In Genesis, Esau famously sold his birthright to his twin brother Jacob for a bowl of stew — his story a meditation on impulsivity and consequence.
Rare and biblical, Esau has the gravitas of an Old Testament name that's been waiting for rediscovery.
Esau was #1940 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #3055, but its charm endures.
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 190 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 409 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 644 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 368 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 245 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 148 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 115 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 155 | — |
| 1940s | 160 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 150 | — |
| 1920s | 156 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 127 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 34 | ▲ |
| 1890s | 28 | ▲ |
| 1880s | 10 | — |
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 40 | #3055 |
| 2023 | 33 | #3492 |
| 2022 | 44 | #2883 |
| 2021 | 35 | #3318 |
| 2020 | 38 | #3035 |
| 2019 | 33 | #3440 |
| 2018 | 37 | #3122 |
| 2017 | 25 | #4145 |
| 2016 | 48 | #2596 |
| 2015 | 39 | #2987 |
| 2014 | 41 | #2857 |
| 2013 | 35 | #3146 |
| 2012 | 47 | #2608 |
| 2011 | 47 | #2596 |
| 2010 | 57 | #2270 |
| 2009 | 59 | #2236 |
| 2008 | 72 | #1972 |
| 2007 | 82 | #1785 |
| 2006 | 73 | #1864 |
| 2005 | 63 | #1992 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1880–2024) · Methodology