Peleg (name)

Peleg (פֶּלֶג) is a Hebrew name meaning "division" or "river." It is most notably found in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) as the name of a figure in the genealogy from Shem to Abraham, specifically in Genesis 11:16-19. According to the biblical account, Peleg lived in the days when the earth was divided, suggesting a possible connection to a geographical division or a division of languages and peoples.

The name's association with division has led to interpretations suggesting it refers to the scattering of humanity after the Tower of Babel incident. However, other interpretations exist, linking it to actual geographical changes in the Earth's surface during that time.

Outside of biblical contexts, Peleg is occasionally used as a given name in modern Hebrew-speaking communities. Its usage is not particularly common, but it remains a recognizable name with historical and religious significance.