Merav is a Hebrew feminine given name, a variant form of Merab. In the Old Testament, Merab was a daughter of King Saul, and her name is said to mean "abundant" in Hebrew. Merav is a modern Hebrew pronunciation and spelling of the biblical name.Etymology and Biblical ContextThe name Merav is directly derived from the Hebrew root meaning "to increase" or "be abundant." In the Bible (1 Samuel 14:49 and 18:17-19), Merab was the elder daughter of Saul, who promised her in marriage to David but ultimately gave her to another man, Adriel. The name is sometimes spelled Merob in Latin Bibles. While Merab appears in the biblical text, the form Merav has become common in modern Hebrew usage, often reflecting the feminine suffix -av.Modern UsageIn contemporary Israel, the name Meirav (also spelled Merav) is popular, associated with several notable figures. For example, Merav Michaeli (born 1966) is an Israeli journalist and politician, and Meirav Cohen (born 1983) is a former Israeli minister. The spelling Meirav is also used, with variants influenced by the Tiberian vocalization of the biblical name. Additionally, there is a kibbutz in northern Israel named Meirav, reflecting the name's connection to the land.Cultural SignificanceThe name Merav carries a sense of rootedness in Jewish tradition while remaining modern and accessible. Its biblical origin provides a link to ancient history, and its meaning "abundant" conveys positive connotations of prosperity and blessing. The variant forms Merab and Merob are used in scholarly and liturgical contexts, while Merav/Meirav is the preferred modern Hebrew form.Meaning: "Abundant" or "increasing"Origin: Hebrew, biblicalType: Feminine given nameUsage: Hebrew, Israeli modern culture