Shem
The Israeli Names Portal

אב


Meaning of the name אב

Av is an ancient and highly significant Hebrew name that carries multiple deep meanings in Hebrew and Jewish culture. The word 'Av' appears many times in the Bible, and its basic meaning is 'father' or 'male parent', but it extends far beyond that. In Biblical and classical Hebrew, the word Av symbolizes source, beginning, foundation, and founding principle. When we say 'founding father' or 'prototype' (av kadmon, av tipus in Hebrew), we mean something original, primary, and foundational from which other things derive. The name carries the meaning of foundation, source, and beginning, expressing the idea of something from which other things grow and develop. In modern Israeli culture, the name Av is not common as an independent first name, but it appears as part of many compound names and carries deep cultural significance. The Hebrew month 'Av' is a hot summer month, associated with a period of fasting and mourning for the destruction of the Temple, but also with the subsequent period symbolizing comfort and hope. The word Av is also connected to concepts of leadership, authority, and guidance, as the father in the family was traditionally the leading and directing figure. In Hebrew literature and poetry, the word Av frequently appears as a symbol of wisdom, life experience, and tradition passed from generation to generation. The name evokes associations of stability, reliability, protection, and responsibility. The use of Av as an independent name is rare but not without precedent. There is something minimalist, strong, and meaningful about it - a two-letter name carrying an entire world of meanings. In the modern era, when parents seek unique names with deep significance, the name Av can be considered an interesting and original choice. It suits parents interested in a name that connects to roots, culture, and ancient Hebrew tradition, while maintaining simplicity and power. The name also recalls the Patriarchs - Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - who are called 'the Fathers' (Ha'avot) and form the foundation of the Jewish people. Thus, the name Av carries a symbolic connection to the beginning of Jewish history and to values of family, tradition, and continuity between generations.

The name אב with vowels

אָב

The name אב in English

Av | Ab

אב is mainly suitable for

Boy and Girl

Is the name אב considered international

No

Origin of the name אב from the Bible

Exodus 20:12 - Honor your father and your mother

Origin of the name אב from Kabbalah

In Kabbalistic tradition, the word Av symbolizes the divine principle of wisdom and understanding. The letter Aleph represents the Master, the beginning, and divine unity, while the letter Bet symbolizes the house, the place where the Divine Presence dwells. The name Av expresses the idea of the spiritual source from which all creation flows, and it is connected to the Sefirah of Chochmah (Wisdom), which is the starting point of all divine abundance. The father is the source, foundation, and root from which all branches grow.

Gematria value for the name אב

3

=

1

א

+

2

ב

Numerology value for the name אב

3

=

1

א

+

2

ב

=

3

Famous people named אב

Abraham Lincoln | Abe Vigoda | Abraham Maslow

Names similar to אב

אב — Name Meaning | שֵׁם