Esaù

Boy Name
Origin:hebrew
Pronunciation:/ˈɛsɑːu/

Esaù: a male name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “‘Êśâv > ‘Hēsāû,” meaning “hairy, rough, rude". It derives from the Hebrew word "‛êśâv > 'ESAW".

Esaù has maintained its appeal as a masculine name in modern times while preserving its Hebrew roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from the Hebrew “‘Êśâv > ‘Hēsāû,” meaning “hairy, rough, rude" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.

Quick Facts About Esaù

Quick facts about Esaù
OriginHebrew
GenderBoy name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Hebrew “‘Êśâv > ‘Hēsāû,” meaning “hairy, rough, rude.” Esau, in the Jewish Bible, is the older son of Isaac. He is mentioned in the Book of Genesis and by the prophets, Obadiah and Malachi. The New Testament of the Christian Bible alludes to him in Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans and the Letter to the Hebrews.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

‛êśâv > 'ESAW

How to Pronounce Esaù

Esaù is pronounced /ˈɛsɑːu/(Hebrew)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Es-aù
  2. Say it like: "EHSAHOO"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

This name has found popularity across italian, and portuguese speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.

italianportuguese
Frequently Asked Questions About Esaù
What does the name Esaù mean?
Esaù means "This name derives from the Hebrew “‘Êśâv > ‘Hēsāû,” meaning “hairy, rough, rude.” Esau, in the Jewish Bible, is the older son of Isaac. He is mentioned in the Book of Genesis and by the prophets, Obadiah and Malachi. The New Testament of the Christian Bible alludes to him in Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans and the Letter to the Hebrews.". The name comes from ‛êśâv > 'ESAW. In its original form, the name derives from ‛Êśâv (עֵשָׂו) Hēsāû (Ἡσᾱῦ). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Esaù for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “‘Êśâv > ‘Hēsāû,” meaning “hairy, rough, rude.” Esau, in the Jewish Bible, is the older son of Isaac. He is mentioned in the Book of Genesis and by the prophets, Obadiah and Malachi. The New Testament of the Christian Bible alludes to him in Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans and the Letter to the Hebrews." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Esaù's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Esaù?
Esaù is a hebrew name. The name traces back to ‛êśâv > 'ESAW. The original form ‛Êśâv (עֵשָׂו) Hēsāû (Ἡσᾱῦ) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its hebrew roots, Esaù spread to become common in italian, portuguese. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “‘Êśâv > ‘Hēsāû,” meaning “hairy, rough, rude.” Esau, in the Jewish Bible, is the older son of Isaac. He is mentioned in the Book of Genesis and by the prophets, Obadiah and Malachi. The New Testament of the Christian Bible alludes to him in Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans and the Letter to the Hebrews." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Esaù a boy or girl name?
Esaù is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In hebrew tradition, Esaù has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “‘Êśâv > ‘Hēsāû,” meaning “hairy, rough, rude.” Esau, in the Jewish Bible, is the older son of Isaac. He is mentioned in the Book of Genesis and by the prophets, Obadiah and Malachi. The New Testament of the Christian Bible alludes to him in Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans and the Letter to the Hebrews." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Esaù?
Esaù is pronounced "/ˈɛsɑːu/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Esaù is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in italian, portuguese, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Esaù can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root ‛êśâv > 'ESAW influences how Esaù sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Esaù?
Esaù is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Esaù offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Esaù's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “‘Êśâv > ‘Hēsāû,” meaning “hairy, rough, rude.” Esau, in the Jewish Bible, is the older son of Isaac. He is mentioned in the Book of Genesis and by the prophets, Obadiah and Malachi. The New Testament of the Christian Bible alludes to him in Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans and the Letter to the Hebrews." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Esaù holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Esaù commonly used?
Esaù is common in italian and portuguese naming traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Esaù found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “‘Êśâv > ‘Hēsāû,” meaning “hairy, rough, rude.” Esau, in the Jewish Bible, is the older son of Isaac. He is mentioned in the Book of Genesis and by the prophets, Obadiah and Malachi. The New Testament of the Christian Bible alludes to him in Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans and the Letter to the Hebrews." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Esaù into their naming traditions. A child named Esaù will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Esaù is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Esaù?
Esaù carries associations with BIBLICAL. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “‘Êśâv > ‘Hēsāû,” meaning “hairy, rough, rude.” Esau, in the Jewish Bible, is the older son of Isaac. He is mentioned in the Book of Genesis and by the prophets, Obadiah and Malachi. The New Testament of the Christian Bible alludes to him in Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans and the Letter to the Hebrews." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Esaù originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Esaù sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Esaù often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In italian communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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