Ziv

Ziv is a Hebrew name and, less commonly, a surname. In modern usage it is a masculine given name, while the feminine form Ziva is also common. Both derive from the Hebrew root ziv, meaning brightness, glow, or radiance, and are associated with light or splendor in Jewish naming practices.

Historically, Ziv was the name of the second month in the biblical Hebrew calendar. The month is referenced in ancient texts as Ziv and was roughly aligned with spring; in modern Hebrew the corresponding month is called Iyar, and Ziv is no longer used as a calendar name.

In addition to its use as a given name, Ziv may appear as a surname in some families, though it is relatively uncommon. The name has a recognizable presence in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide due to its positive meaning and biblical associations.

Variants and related names include Ziva, a common feminine form, and other derivatives that share the same Hebrew root. The name Ziv is sometimes transliterated in different ways (such as Ziv or Ziv) in English-language contexts, but the pronunciation remains similar.

Overall, Ziv is characterized by its simple, meaningful roots in brightness and light, with its most prominent contemporary use as a male given name in Hebrew-speaking communities, complemented by its historical role as a calendar month name in biblical times.