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Origin and meaning of the name Esau

What is the origin of the name Esau?

The name Esau (also spelled as Esau, Eisav, or Esaü) is a Hebrew name from the Bible, originating from the Old Testament. It is traditionally associated with the twin brother of Jacob in the Book of Genesis, chapter 25, verse 25. The name Esau is derived from the Hebrew word "Esav," which means "hairy" or "red." This name is also known in English as "Esaú" and has a significant presence among Jewish communities due to its biblical origins.

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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Esau

The biblical name Esau (also spelled as Esau, Eisav, or Isaac) is of Hebrew origin, derived from the word 'עֵשָׁו' (Es̄aw), which means "hairy" in the Hebrew language. In the Old Testament, Esau is the brother of Jacob and the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah. The story of Esau appears in the Book of Genesis. Esau was born to Isaac and Rebekah when she was barren for a long time. Esau's sale of his birthright to Jacob in exchange for a bowl of red lentil soup is one of the most well-known stories associated with him. Despite being the firstborn, Esau's actions led to him being considered less favored by his family and by tradition, he is often depicted as the embodiment of physical strength but moral weakness compared to Jacob. The name Esau has been used in various cultures throughout history, reflecting its biblical roots and significance.

Character traits associated with the name Esau

Esau, as depicted in the biblical narrative, is characterized by impulsivity and carelessness. He is often portrayed as a hunter, indicating a practical and resourceful nature. However, his actions show a lack of consideration for future consequences, such as selling his birthright to Jacob for a meal. This transaction underscores Esau's instant gratification mentality. Despite this, he is also depicted as strong and powerful, demonstrating a physical prowess that is admired. Yet, his relationships with family, particularly his brother Jacob, suggest a lack of strategic thinking and foresight, which can be interpreted as a weakness in leadership or decision-making abilities. Overall, Esau embodies the traits of a practical but impulsive individual, with a strong physical presence yet questionable judgment when it comes to matters of family and future planning.

Popularity of the name Esau

The name Esau, biblical son of Isaac and Rebekah, is of Hebrew origin and derived from the word "Esav," which means "hairy." In modern times, the popularity of this name has significantly waned compared to its historical usage. In the United States, for instance, according to the Social Security Administration data, Esau was ranked as the 938th most popular male name in 2019, a far cry from its peak in the early 20th century. Despite its biblical significance and strong roots, the name Esau is seldom chosen for newborn boys today due to various cultural and societal factors. Nevertheless, it remains a significant part of Jewish and Christian heritage and continues to be used in some religious circles and communities.

Famous people with the name Esau

Esau, also known as Edom, was the elder twin brother of Jacob in the Hebrew Bible and the ancient Near East. His story is recounted in the Book of Genesis, where he is portrayed as an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, contrasting with his more intellectual younger brother, Jacob. Esau's most significant action in the narrative is selling his birthright to Jacob for a meal of lentil stew. This event has been interpreted in various ways throughout history, but it established a rift between the brothers that would last for many years. Another notable figure named Esau appears in medieval literature. William Shakespeare's play The Tragedy of Esau and Jacob, written around 1594, explores their sibling rivalry from an allegorical perspective. In this work, Esau represents the fleshly and carnal man, while Jacob embodies spiritual wisdom and cunningness. These Biblical and literary figures have endured throughout history, symbolizing themes of birthright, brotherhood, and personal identity.

Variations of the name Esau

The name Esau has several variants and spellings across different languages and cultures. In Hebrew, it is spelled as עֵשָׁו or 'Esaw'. Its English form is often spelled as Esau. In some transliterations, the name can be found as Eisav, Esaü, or Eszau. The Biblical Esau is also referred to by his nickname "Edom", which means "red" in Hebrew, reflecting the color of his skin at birth. In Germanic languages, the name may appear as Esa, Isaakus, or Isaak Essen, all of which share a common root with Esau and are loosely translated to mean 'he who holds on to'. These variations show how the name Esau has evolved over time and across different linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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