Meaning & History
Nahor is a Hebrew name meaning "snorting", reflecting a raw sound or possibly a name derived from a characteristic. In the Old Testament, Nahor appears as both the grandfather and a brother of Abraham. The grandfather Nahor (Genesis 11:22-24) was the son of Serug and father of Terah, making him the great-grandfather of Abraham. The younger Nahor (Genesis 22:20-23) was a brother of Abraham, who married Milcah and fathered eight sons, including Bethuel (father of Rebekah).
Biblical Context
Nahor the brother lived in the city of Haran (later associated with the patriarchs), and his descendants played a key role in Abraham’s family narrative: Rebekah became Isaac’s wife, and Laban (son of Bethuel) later interacted with Jacob. The name Nahor is also used as a location in the Bible (Nahor's town in Genesis 24:10).
Later Usage
As a first name, Nahor is rare outside biblical contexts, primarily used in English-speaking Christian communities that draw from the Old Testament. It is not a common modern given name.
Key Facts
- Meaning: "Snorting" (Hebrew)
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: Biblical, male
- Usage Regions: English Bible, religious communities