Joav

Joav is a male given name of Hebrew origin. In biblical and modern Hebrew usage, it is linked to the name Yoav (יוֹאָב), borne by Joab, the commander of King David’s army. The form appears in Hebrew texts and has been used in Jewish, Christian, and secular contexts.

Etymology and meaning commonly point to a Hebrew root associated with Yahweh, the God of Israel. The typical interpretation of Yoav is that it means "Yahweh is Father" or "God is Father." As with many ancient names, exact nuance can vary, and transliteration into English yields several forms, including Joab, Joav, and Yoav.

Usage and transliteration: In contemporary Israel, the standard modern spelling is Yoav, while Joav and Joab are common in English-language contexts. The name is masculine and remains in use today among Hebrew-speaking populations, appearing in both historical and modern records.

Related names and variants include Joab, the biblical figure, and the transliteration variants Yoav and Joav used in different languages and contexts.