Declining since 2020, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Esben since 2011
Babies named Esben per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2010s | 79 |
| 2020s | 64 |
Meaning & origin
Esben is a Danish name with deep roots in Old Norse mythology, deriving from elements meaning 'god' and 'bear'. It has maintained a steady if modest presence in Denmark but remains exceptionally rare in the United States, where it first appeared in records only in 2011. Its peak popularity came in 2021, after which it has seen a decline, reflecting shifting naming trends. Despite its rarity, Esben appeals to parents seeking a distinctive Scandinavian name with a strong historical and cultural background.
Esben is a Danish given name, a variant of Esbjørn or Asbjørn, derived from the Old Norse elements 'áss' (god) and 'bjǫrn' (bear). The name has been in use in Denmark for centuries, with the modern spelling Esben becoming more common in the 20th century. It remains a traditional name in Scandinavia, particularly in Denmark, though relatively rare in English-speaking countries.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Es, Ben
Variants: Esbjørn, Asbjørn, Esben
Sibling names for Esben
Names that share Esben's style, for a brother or sister.
