Aviv (Hebrew: אביב) is a Hebrew given name meaning "spring" as in the season. The word aviv also refers specifically to the stage in the growth of grain when the seeds are full of starch but not yet dried, as mentioned in the biblical story of the plague of hail: the barley was in the aviv stage and was destroyed (Exodus 9:31). The 'aviv' stage marks the spring barley harvest in ancient Israel.EtymologyAviv literally translates to "spring" in Hebrew. In the Hebrew calendar, the month of Aviv (also called Nisan in later biblical books such as Esther) is the first month of the year, and the term reflects the season of the barley harvest. The name is thus directly tied to the agricultural cycle of the land of Israel.Biblical and Historical UsageIn the Pentateuch, the month is referred to exclusively as Aviv. For instance, Moses instructs the Israelites: "Keep the month of Aviv and celebrate the Passover to the Lord your God, for in the month of Aviv the Lord your God brought you out of Egypt by night" (Deuteronomy 16:1). In post-exilic sources (e.g., the Book of Esther), the same month is called Nisan, but the link to spring and renewal remains.Name UseAviv is used today as both a given name and a surname in Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. It is unisex, though perhaps more commonly given to boys. The best-known place name is Tel Aviv, which means "Spring Mound" and is the name of Israel's cultural and economic center. A direct variant is the feminine name Aviva, which also means "spring" or "spring-like".Related NamesAviva (feminine variant)Key FactsMeaning: spring (season)Origin: HebrewType: unisex given name, also surnameUsage: Israeli, JewishRelated month: Aviv (Nisan) in the Hebrew calendar