Yoav: meaning of the Hebrew name
יוֹאָב
Pronounced yo-AHV
Meaning of Yoav
Yoav is read as yo-av, "the Lord is father". It is the name of Joab son of Zeruiah, King David's daring army commander.
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
וְיוֹאָב בֶּן־צְרוּיָה עַל־הַצָּבָא וִיהוֹשָׁפָט בֶּן־אֲחִילוּד מַזְכִּיר׃
Yoav in Hebrew
Yoav is written יואב in Hebrew (with vowel points: יוֹאָב). Hebrew is read from right to left.
- יYod
- וVav
- אAlef
- בBet
Gematria value: 19 (Yod 10 + Vav 6 + Alef 1 + Bet 2)
About the name
- GenderBoy
- OriginBiblical
- Meaningthe Lord is father
- Pronunciationyo-AHV
- Hebrewיואב
- Syllables2
Popularity in Israel
In 2024, Yoav ranked #139 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (107 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #45, in 2014.
All years 2014-2024
| Year | Rank | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 139 | 107 |
| 2023 | 123 | 130 |
| 2022 | 115 | 147 |
| 2021 | 107 | 172 |
| 2020 | 96 | 181 |
| 2019 | 82 | 215 |
| 2018 | 72 | 239 |
| 2017 | 69 | 273 |
| 2016 | 57 | 357 |
| 2015 | 50 | 413 |
| 2014 | 45 | 431 |
Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), first names given to Jewish newborns, 2014-2024. Ranks cover the 150 most common names per year.
Similar names
Questions about Yoav
What does the name Yoav mean?
Yoav is read as yo-av, "the Lord is father". It is the name of Joab son of Zeruiah, King David's daring army commander.
How do you pronounce Yoav?
Yoav is pronounced yo-AHV in modern Israeli Hebrew. The syllable in capital letters is stressed.
How do you write Yoav in Hebrew?
Yoav is written יואב in Hebrew (with vowel points: יוֹאָב).
Is Yoav a biblical name?
Yes. Yoav appears in the Hebrew Bible, in 2 Samuel 8:16.
How popular is the name Yoav in Israel?
In 2024, Yoav ranked #139 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (107 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #45, in 2014. Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.
What is the gematria of Yoav?
In gematria, the Hebrew spelling יואב adds up to 19 (Yod 10 + Vav 6 + Alef 1 + Bet 2).
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This name in Hebrew: יואב
