Ahab

father of many
Hebrew origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#1576US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.2%Percentile
How to pronounce Ahab
ay-hab(english)
/ay-hab(english)/ · · 2 syllables
father of many
Hebrew origin · Boy name

What does Ahab mean and where does it come from?

Ahab derives from the Hebrew root 'ahav', meaning 'to love'.

Cultural significance
Ahab is a biblical name, notably borne by a king of Israel in the Hebrew Bible.
Peak popularity
Reached #1576 in 2015 — currently #1576 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Ahab?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Ahab?

Ahab works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Ahab Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Ahab John
One syllable · timeless choice
Ahab Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Ahab Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Ahab Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Ahab Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Ahab
Browse ideas →

How popular is Ahab right now?

Holding steady — currently #1576 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1576 · Top 1.2%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#157610stable
2022#157610stable
2021#157610stable
2020#157610stable
2019#157610
💎Ahab is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Ahab?

Common
AhAhieAhy

Famous people named Ahab

At
Ahab the Arab
A fictional character in a song by Ray Stevens.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
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How is Ahab written in other languages?

אַחְאָב
Ancient Hebrew

Common questions about the name Ahab

What does the name Ahab mean?
Ahab means "father of many" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Ahab?
Ahab is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Ahab?
Ahab originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Ahab a common or rare name?
Ahab is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Ahab more of a girl or boy name?
Ahab is primarily used as a boy name, giving it a clear, timeless character while remaining accessible to modern families.