Abimelech as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Abimelech

What is the meaning of the name Abimelech ?

The baby name Abimelech is a Male name , 4 syllables long and is pronounced AB-ih-MEE-lek (English); ah-vee-MEH-lekh (Hebrew). IPA: /ˌæbɪˈmiːlɛk/; Hebrew IPA: /aviˈmeleχ/.

Abimelech is Hebrew in Origin.

Abimelech derives from the Hebrew Avimelekh (אֲבִימֶלֶךְ), built from avi/ab, “my father/father,” and melech, “king,” yielding senses such as “my father is king” or “father of a king.” In the Hebrew Bible the name designates several figures, notably Philistine rulers of Gerar who interact with Abraham and Isaac, and the usurper son of Gideon in Judges 9. The superscription of Psalm 34 also uses Abimelech as a royal designation, suggesting a dynastic title comparable to “Pharaoh” rather than a single personal name.

Usage in the West has been sporadic - occasionally favored by Reformation-era Protestants and some Puritans - but remains uncommon across languages due to its complex associations. Documented variants include Avimelech/Avimelekh, Abimelek (modern Bible transliteration), Abimélec (French), Abimelec (Spanish), Abimeleque (Portuguese), and the Latinized Abimelechus. Possible nicknames are Abe, Avi, or Melech. Related Hebrew names by theme include Avi, Aviel, and Melech.

⚙ Abimelech is an extremely rare name. Across our dataset of national birth registries and international name records, Abimelech appears only 12 times in total — found in 9 countries. If you're considering it, you'd be giving your child a name almost nobody else has.