Abihail
Abihail Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
Meaning of Abihail: Abihail is a Hebrew biblical name composed of avi (אבי, my father) and hayil (חיל, strength, might, valor), giving the meaning “my father is strength” or “my father is valor.”.
The root hayil is the same as in the phrase eshet hayil (“woman of valor”) in Proverbs 31, giving the name strong connotations of capable and courageous character.
In the Old Testament, Abihail is notably the name of the father of Zuriel (Numbers 3:35), the wife of Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:18), and most significantly the parent of Esther’s cousin Mordecai (Esther 2:15, 9:29)—making it a name used for both male and female characters in the Hebrew Bible.
What Does Abihail Mean? Origin & Etymology
This dual gender usage reflects the practice in ancient Israel of applying theophoric naming patterns across genders when the avi- element was used metaphorically.
The connection to Esther gives Abihail particular distinction: Esther is one of only two books of the Hebrew Bible named after a woman, and Abihail’s role as Mordecai’s parent places the name within one of the most celebrated narratives in the Jewish canon.
This association has made Abihail especially appealing as a name for girls in Jewish and Christian communities that prize the Esther narrative.
Abihail is rare in modern use but has attracted attention from families seeking distinctive Old Testament names. In the United States and South Africa, small numbers of families in evangelical Christian communities have chosen Abihail as a given name since the early 21st century.
According to SSA records, Abihail does not rank in the US top 1000. The name is used by families drawn to its precise Hebrew etymology, its connection to Esther, and its dual biblical attestation across genders.
Numerology & Symbolism of Abihail
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Abihail – Similar Names & Alternatives
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity
Frequently Asked Questions about Abihail
What does Abihail mean?
Abihail is Hebrew 'my father is strength' meaning father; In the Old Testament this is the name of a few different characters, both male and female, includ....
How popular is Abihail?
Abihail is rarely used in the United States but maintains its standing in Biblical. SSA records show no significant US ranking for this name.
Is Abihail a boy or girl name?
Abihail is used as both a masculine and feminine given name in its home tradition. The name is most common in Biblical communities.
What are variants of Abihail?
Abihail has related forms in other languages: 'Avihayil (Biblical Hebrew). These variants all share the same root and meaning.