Aviel

Meaning & origin

Aviel is a Hebrew name with a clear theophoric meaning, 'God is my father,' derived from elements 'av' and 'El'. It has been in sporadic use since at least 1979, but its popularity has been slowly rising since 1989, reaching a peak rank of 1,393 in 2025. That year, it was given to approximately 1 in 13,039 boys, suggesting it remains a rare but appealing choice for parents seeking a meaningful biblical name outside the mainstream. The name is most common in New York, Washington, and New Jersey, reflecting concentrations of Jewish communities. Its trajectory indicates growing interest, though Aviel is still far from common, offering a distinctive yet traditional option.

Aviel is a Hebrew name combining 'av' (father) and 'El' (God), thus meaning 'God is my father' or 'my father is God'. It appears in the Hebrew Bible as a minor figure, and as a given name it has been used among Jewish families, though it remains relatively rare. In modern times, it has seen increased use in Israel and among English-speaking parents seeking a distinctive biblical name.