Abimelech, derived from the Hebrew words "ab" meaning "father" and "melekh" meaning "king", is a biblical name that first appears in Genesis, chapter 20. In this narrative, Abimelech is introduced as the king of Gerar, a Philistine city-state. He is not a descendant of Israelite patriarchs but rather an outsider to the Jewish faith and its history.
The story unfolds with Abraham, at the behest of his wife Sarah's request, passing her off as his sister due to Sarah's extraordinary beauty. Abimelech takes Sarah into his harem, unaware that she is married. Later, God visits Abimelech in a dream, warning him not to touch Sarah lest he die, revealing her true marital status.
In another instance, found in Judges chapter 9, Abimelech is introduced as the son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal). Unlike his father who was a judge over Israel, Abimelech is portrayed as an oppressive and tyrannical ruler. He seizes power by murdering all seventy of his half-brothers, sparing only Jotham, the youngest, who manages to escape.
Abimelech's reign is marked by instability and conflict. His rule over Shechem, where he had established his throne, is challenged by a woman who throws an millstone on Abimelech's head, fatally wounding him. In his dying breaths, Abimelech calls out for his armor-bearer to finish the deed with his sword rather than let the people of Shechem celebrate over his death.
Throughout these biblical accounts, Abimelech is depicted as a complex figure, first as an unwitting pawn in Abraham's deception, and later as a ruthless ruler whose tyranny ultimately leads to his downfall. His name has been immortalized not only in religious texts but also in literature and art, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deceit and abuse of power.
"Abimelec saw a surge in popularity between 2016 and 2017 with 8 and 11 births respectively, but has otherwise maintained steady birth numbers over the years, averaging around 5 to 8 births annually."