The name Esdras has its origins in ancient Hebrew, derived from the word 'Ezra' which means 'helper' or 'aid'. It first appeared in the Old Testament of the Bible as the name of a Jewish scribe and priest who played a significant role in the reconstruction of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile in the 5th century BC.

In the Book of Ezra and the Book of Nehemiah, Esdras is depicted as a learned and pious man who led a group of Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem and worked to reinstate the religious observances and teachings of the Torah. His efforts were crucial in reviving the Jewish community and establishing a new era of religious and cultural renewal.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Esdras was Esdras, the Greek form of Ezra, a Jewish scribe and priest who lived in the 5th century BC. He is considered a significant figure in Jewish history and is credited with establishing the canon of the Hebrew Bible.

Another notable bearer of the name was Esdras, a 1st-century BC Jewish historian and philosopher from Alexandria, Egypt. He is known for his work "The Apocalypse of Esdras," which explores themes of divine justice, the end times, and the restoration of Israel.

In the 4th century AD, Esdras was the name of a Christian martyr from Alexandria who was persecuted and executed during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian for his refusal to renounce his faith.

During the Middle Ages, the name Esdras appeared in various literary works, such as the 14th-century English poem "Piers Plowman" by William Langland, where Esdras is portrayed as a wise and learned figure.

In more recent times, Esdras Rendón (1905-1990) was a prominent Mexican artist and muralist known for his large-scale public works depicting scenes from Mexican history and culture.

While the name Esdras is not as common today as it was in ancient times, it continues to be used in various cultures and communities, particularly those with Jewish or Christian roots, as a testament to its historical and religious significance.