Yoav Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: yo-AV /joˈav/
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: He is God
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Yoav is of Hebrew origin, derived from the elements "yo" meaning "Yahweh" (the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible) and "av" meaning "father." This etymological composition can be traced back to ancient Hebrew, where it appears in the form of יוֹאָב (Yoav). The name has been carried through various historical and cultural contexts, particularly within Jewish tradition, and has been transliterated into other languages over the centuries, including Greek and Latin, before making its way into modern English usage.
Historically, Yoav is associated with a prominent biblical figure, Joab, who served as the commander of King David's army during the 10th century BCE. Joab is a significant character in the biblical narrative, known for his military prowess and complex relationship with David, which is detailed in the books of Samuel and Chronicles.
The name's biblical roots have contributed to its enduring presence in Jewish culture and its recognition in Christian contexts, particularly through translations of the Bible such as the Septuagint and the Vulgate. Culturally, Yoav carries connotations of strength and leadership, reflecting the qualities of its biblical namesake.
In Jewish tradition, names are often chosen for their meanings and the virtues they embody, making Yoav a name that resonates with themes of divine favor and paternal authority. The name has also seen variations and diminutives in different cultures, although these are less prominent compared to its original form.
Overall, Yoav's historical and cultural significance is deeply rooted in its ancient origins and its association with key biblical narratives.
Famous people named Yoav
In this section, you will find notable people named Yoav. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Yoav who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Yoav who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Yoav Ben-Dov is a musician best known for his work in the Israeli music scene and his contributions to various albums.
Yoav Shirin is a composer and musician best known for his innovative sound and performances in the electronic music genre.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Yoav, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Yoav. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Yoav was first seen in the United States in 1970.
Yoav has ranked as high as #8399 nationally, which occurred in 2008, and has been most popular in New York, and California.
In the past 5 years the name Yoav has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Yoav is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Yoav was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Yoav.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8 | 8 |
| 2024 | 5 | 5 |
| 2023 | 9 | 9 |
| 2022 | 11 | 11 |
| 2021 | 12 | 12 |
| 2020 | 9 | 9 |
| 2019 | 8 | 8 |
| 2018 | 8 | 8 |
| 2017 | 9 | 9 |
| 2016 | 8 | 8 |
| 2015 | 8 | 8 |
| 2014 | 11 | 11 |
| 2013 | 8 | 8 |
| 2012 | 18 | 18 |
| 2011 | 15 | 15 |
| 2010 | 18 | 18 |
| 2009 | 18 | 18 |
| 2008 | 29 | 29 |
| 2007 | 27 | 27 |
| 2006 | 19 | 19 |
| 2005 | 16 | 16 |
| 2004 | 19 | 19 |
| 2003 | 14 | 14 |
| 2002 | 8 | 8 |
| 2001 | 7 | 7 |
| 2000 | 9 | 9 |
| 1999 | 7 | 7 |
| 1997 | 12 | 12 |
| 1996 | 6 | 6 |
| 1995 | 5 | 5 |
| 1991 | 5 | 5 |
| 1988 | 6 | 6 |
| 1987 | 5 | 5 |
| 1985 | 5 | 5 |
| 1983 | 5 | 5 |
| 1982 | 8 | 8 |
| 1981 | 6 | 6 |
| 1973 | 5 | 5 |
| 1970 | 5 | 5 |
Top States for Yoav (2010)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 8 |