Esam is an alternate transcription of Arabic عصام (see Isam), which means "security" or "pledge" in Arabic, from the root ʿaṣama meaning "to protect." The name reflects qualities of safety and trust. Notable individuals named Esam include Esam Al-Kandari (born 1971), a Kuwaiti footballer; Esam Omeish (born 1967), a Libyan-born American physician; and Esam Sakeen (born 1971), a Kuwaiti footballer. Variant forms include Essam, 'Isam, Isam, and Issam. The name is primarily used in Arabic-speaking communities.