Aesop first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Aesop has been for the last 14 years (from 2008 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Aesop

Derived from a Greek word meaning "storyteller" or "fabled person".

Popularity of Aesop by gender

Based on the last 14 years of data, Aesop is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Aesop.

Year Male Count Female Count
2021 5 0
2020 5 0
2019 6 0
2018 5 0
2017 6 0
2016 6 0
2015 6 0
2012 6 0
2008 6 0

The history of the first name Aesop

The given name Aesop has its origins in ancient Greek language and culture. It is derived from the Greek word "Aisopos," which means "ugly" or "twisted." The name is believed to have originated around the 6th century BC.

Aesop is most famously associated with the legendary Greek fabulist and storyteller of the same name, who is credited with authoring numerous fables and tales that have been passed down through generations. These fables, known as Aesop's Fables, were first compiled and written down in the 4th century BC.

The name Aesop appears in various ancient Greek texts and historical records, including the works of Herodotus, Aristotle, and Plutarch, among others. These references suggest that Aesop was a former slave who lived in ancient Greece, possibly on the island of Samos, during the 6th century BC.

The earliest recorded individual with the name Aesop is the legendary fabulist himself, although the exact dates of his birth and death are uncertain. Some scholars believe he lived between 620 BC and 560 BC.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Aesop, including:

  1. Aesop (c. 620 BC - c. 560 BC), the legendary Greek fabulist and storyteller.
  2. Aesop of Phrygia (6th century BC), a Greek philosopher from Phrygia, sometimes confused with the fabulist.
  3. Aesop of Sardis (4th century BC), a Greek historian from Sardis.
  4. Aesop of Tyre (3rd century BC), a Greek philosopher from Tyre.
  5. Aesop the Younger (2nd century BC), a Greek rhetorician and grammarian.

While the name Aesop is most closely associated with the ancient Greek fabulist, its meaning and origins reflect the enduring legacy of Greek language and culture, which has profoundly influenced literature, philosophy, and storytelling throughout the ages.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Aesop was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Aesop, please contact us.

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"Aesop first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 14, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/aesop-meaning-and-history/.

"Aesop first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/aesop-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 14 May, 2025

Aesop first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/aesop-meaning-and-history/.

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