Home › Baby Names Directory › Yoav
Yoav
Pronounced yoh-AHV /joʊˈɑːv/Medium
Meaning: The Hebrew name Yoav, the biblical Joab, nephew of David and commander of his army. The name is read as 'the Lord is father', joining the divine name to av, 'father'. It is a common given name in modern Israel.Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Yoav is the Hebrew name behind the biblical Joab, David's nephew and the general of his armies, whose long and turbulent career runs through the books of Samuel and Kings. The name is read as 'the Lord is father', from the divine name plus av, 'father'. In modern Israel Yoav is a familiar, well-used name for boys (said 'yoh-AHV').
It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare here, common in Israel.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- Famous bearers coming soon.
If you like Yoav…
Explore names like Yoav
Frequently Asked
What does the name Yoav mean?
Yoav is the Hebrew name of the biblical Joab and means 'the Lord is father'.
How do you pronounce Yoav?
It's said yoh-AHV /joʊˈɑːv/ — two syllables, stress on the second.
Is Yoav a boy or girl name?
Yoav is used as a boy's name.
How popular is Yoav?
Yoav is a very rare name for boys in the U.S., though common in Israel.