Abiathar – Name Meaning
The name Abiathar is of Hebrew origin and means “my father is great”. It is a biblical name, taken from the Old Testament, and was the name of a high priest in King David’s court. The name has been used by Jews and Christians alike for centuries, and is still popular today.
History of the Name
Abiathar was a high priest in King David’s court during the time of the United Monarchy. He was one of two priests who served as advisors to King David, along with Zadok. Abiathar was known for his wisdom and loyalty to the king, and he remained loyal even after King Solomon replaced David as ruler. Abiathar eventually lost favor with Solomon and was exiled from Jerusalem.
The name Abiathar appears several times in the Bible, including in 1 Samuel 22:20-23, 2 Samuel 8:17, 1 Kings 2:26-27, and 1 Chronicles 24:3-6. In each instance, Abiathar is described as a wise and loyal advisor to King David.
Popularity of the Name
The name Abiathar has been used by Jews and Christians alike for centuries. It has been popular among Jewish families since at least the Middle Ages, when it was often given to boys born on Shabbat or other special occasions. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular among Christian families as well.
In the United States, Abiathar ranked #1,845 in popularity for boys born in 2019. This makes it a relatively uncommon name but still one that many parents are choosing for their sons.
Variations of the Name
There are several variations of the name Abiathar that can be found around the world. In Arabic-speaking countries, it is sometimes spelled “Abiyatir” or “Abiyatar”. In Spanish-speaking countries, it is sometimes spelled “Abiatar” or “Abiato”. In Hebrew-speaking countries, it is sometimes spelled “Aviyatar” or “Aviyatir”.
