Abel Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Abel Name Meaning

Fact: The name and story of Abel have been depicted in countless pieces of art, including paintings by famous artists like Rembrandt.

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A Deep Dive

Abel Overview

Meaning

Breath, son, breathing spirit

Gender

Boy

Origin

Hebrew

Etymology

Derived from the Hebrew name “Hevel,” meaning “breath” or “vapor.”

Pronunciation

/ˈeɪbəl/

Popularity

Abel is popular in many countries, including the USA and Mexico. In 2023, Abel ranked #136 for boys in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

4 letters

Numerology

11 (Intuitive, Idealistic, Spiritual)

Name Styles

Traditional, Religious and Spiritual, Classic

Associated Traits

Gentle, humble, faithful

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Associated with the biblical figure Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, known for his righteousness.

Name Day

August 5 (France)
A Deep Dive

Abel Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Abelardo, Abiel, Avel, Abeel, Abil

Common Nicknames

Ab, Bebe, Abie, Abelie, Abo

Diminutives

Abe, Abey, Bell, Abee, Abi

Famous People

  • Abel Tesfaye
    (Canadian Singer)
  • Abel Ferrara
    (American Director)
  • Abel Pacheco
    (Costa Rican Politician)
  • Abel Gance
    (French Director)
  • Abel Hernández
    (Uruguayan Soccer Player)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Abel Turner
    ("Lakeview Terrace," Film)
  • Abel Magwitch
    ("Great Expectations," Novel)
  • Abel Gideon
    ("Hannibal," TV Series)
  • Abel
    ("Sons of Anarchy," TV Series)
  • Abel Morales
    ("A Most Violent Year," Film)
  • Abel
    ("The Giver," Novel)

Places

  • Abel Tasman National Park
    (Tasman District, New Zealand)
  • Mount Abel
    (British Columbia, Canada)
  • Abel Stadium
    (Lincoln, Nebraska, USA)
  • Abel Lake
    (Stafford County, Virginia, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Abel?

Abel means “breath” or “vapor.” People bearing this name are frequently viewed as serene and empathetic, with a profound sense of life’s impermanence.

What Is the Origin of The Name Abel?

The name Abel has its roots in the Hebrew language, originating from the Hebrew word “Hevel,” which means “breath” or “vapor.” It is a biblical name, first appearing in the Old Testament as the name of Adam and Eve’s second son, who was known for his righteousness and tragic fate.

Abel Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Abel in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#1962021#2152022#2202023
Top 3 Rankings#1242015#1372016#1452017

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Abel

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023220
(-5 from 2022)
1648
(-115 from 2022)
0.09000
2022215
(-19 from 2021)
1763
(-186 from 2021)
0.09413
2021196
(-15 from 2020)
1949
(-180 from 2020)
0.10402
2020181
(-23 from 2019)
2129
(-336 from 2019)
0.11510
2019158
(-12 from 2018)
2465
(-216 from 2018)
0.12827
2018146
(-1 from 2017)
2681
(-30 from 2017)
0.13793
2017145
(-8 from 2016)
2711
(-331 from 2016)
0.13698
2016137
(-13 from 2015)
3042
(-200 from 2015)
0.15018
2015124
(+40 from 2014)
3242
(+671 from 2014)
0.15858
2014164
(+16 from 2013)
2571
(+334 from 2013)
0.12546
2013180
(+12 from 2012)
2237
(+287 from 2012)
0.11070
2012192
(+46 from 2011)
1950
(+442 from 2011)
0.09610
2011238
(+55 from 2010)
1508
(+381 from 2010)
0.07423
2010293
(+37 from 2009)
1127
(+163 from 2009)
0.05486
2009330
(+31 from 2008)
964
(+100 from 2008)
0.04545
2008361
(-18 from 2007)
864
(-76 from 2007)
0.03963
2007343
(-5 from 2006)
940
(+16 from 2006)
0.04244
2006338
(+8 from 2005)
924
(+69 from 2005)
0.04215
2005346
(+10 from 2004)
855
(+64 from 2004)
0.04019
2004356
(+4 from 2003)
791
(+36 from 2003)
0.03743
2003360
(-7 from 2002)
755
(-20 from 2002)
0.03593
2002353
(+9 from 2001)
775
(+42 from 2001)
0.03750
2001362
(-10 from 2000)
733
(-30 from 2000)
0.03544
2000352
(+15 from 1999)
763
(+52 from 1999)
0.03654
1999367
(+11 from 1998)
711
(+43 from 1998)
0.03487
1998378
(-26 from 1997)
668
(-50 from 1997)
0.03294
1997352
(+35 from 1996)
718
(+112 from 1996)
0.03594
1996387
(-47 from 1995)
606
(-111 from 1995)
0.03024
1995340
(+59 from 1994)
717
(+133 from 1994)
0.03565
1994399
(-22 from 1993)
584
(-36 from 1993)
0.02865
1993377
(-7 from 1992)
620
(-11 from 1992)
0.03002
1992370
No change from 1991
631
(+8 from 1991)
0.03006
1991370
(+12 from 1990)
623
(+17 from 1990)
0.02939
1990382
(+18 from 1989)
606
(+65 from 1989)
0.02816
1989400
(-16 from 1988)
541
(+27 from 1988)
0.02581
1988384
(+23 from 1987)
514
(+57 from 1987)
0.02567
1987407
(-26 from 1986)
457
(-25 from 1986)
0.02343
1986381
(+8 from 1985)
482
(+21 from 1985)
0.02508
1985389
(+11 from 1984)
461
(+34 from 1984)
0.02396
1984400
(-9 from 1983)
427
(+1 from 1983)
0.02275
1983391
(-19 from 1982)
426
(-41 from 1982)
0.02286
1982372
(-7 from 1981)
467
(-12 from 1981)
0.02475
1981365
(+1 from 1980)
479
(+5 from 1980)
0.02572
1980366
(+23 from 1979)
474
(+46 from 1979)
0.02556
1979389
(+11 from 1978)
428
(+57 from 1978)
0.02389
1978400
(+24 from 1977)
371
(+24 from 1977)
0.02171
1977424
(-34 from 1976)
347
(-48 from 1976)
0.02030
1976390
(+6 from 1975)
395
(+13 from 1975)
0.02419
1975396
(+39 from 1974)
382
(+52 from 1974)
0.02355
1974435
(-23 from 1973)
330
(-30 from 1973)
0.02024
1973412
(+31 from 1972)
360
(+39 from 1972)
0.02231
1972443
(+21 from 1971)
321
(+11 from 1971)
0.01918
1971464
(+16 from 1970)
310
(+27 from 1970)
0.01705
1970480
(-22 from 1969)
283
(+6 from 1969)
0.01486
1969458
(+7 from 1968)
277
(+11 from 1968)
0.01514
1968465
(+10 from 1967)
266
(+14 from 1967)
0.01498
1967475
(+5 from 1966)
252
(-4 from 1966)
0.01416
1966480
(-17 from 1965)
256
(-26 from 1965)
0.01408
1965463
(+15 from 1964)
282
(+8 from 1964)
0.01488
1964478
(+7 from 1963)
274
(+2 from 1963)
0.01352
1963485
(+9 from 1962)
272
(+14 from 1962)
0.01317
1962494
(-17 from 1961)
258
(-23 from 1961)
0.01228
1961477
(+28 from 1960)
281
(+34 from 1960)
0.01303
1960505
(+18 from 1959)
247
(+21 from 1959)
0.01141
1959523
(-23 from 1958)
226
(-15 from 1958)
0.01043
1958500
(+4 from 1957)
241
(+5 from 1957)
0.01118
1957504
(+11 from 1956)
236
(+21 from 1956)
0.01078
1956515
(-11 from 1955)
215
No change from 1955
0.01002
1955504
(-20 from 1954)
215
(-8 from 1954)
0.01029
1954484
(-10 from 1953)
223
(+6 from 1953)
0.01078
1953474
(+75 from 1952)
217
(+55 from 1952)
0.01084
1952549
(-49 from 1951)
162
(-21 from 1951)
0.00821
1951500
(+14 from 1950)
183
(+13 from 1950)
0.00957
1950514
(+11 from 1949)
170
(+9 from 1949)
0.00935
1949525
(+15 from 1948)
161
(+10 from 1948)
0.00893
1948540
(+18 from 1947)
151
(+5 from 1947)
0.00847
1947558
(+34 from 1946)
146
(+29 from 1946)
0.00786
1946592
(-25 from 1945)
117
(+4 from 1945)
0.00709
1945567
(-8 from 1944)
113
(-5 from 1944)
0.00824
1944559
(+109 from 1943)
118
(+26 from 1943)
0.00849
1943668
(-53 from 1942)
92
(-13 from 1942)
0.00632
1942615
(-80 from 1941)
105
(-16 from 1941)
0.00746
1941535
(+55 from 1940)
121
(+20 from 1940)
0.00964
1940590
(+3 from 1939)
101
(+6 from 1939)
0.00851
1939593
(+47 from 1938)
95
(+8 from 1938)
0.00838
1938640
(-31 from 1937)
87
(-4 from 1937)
0.00766
1937609
(+76 from 1936)
91
(+16 from 1936)
0.00832
1936685
(-80 from 1935)
75
(-17 from 1935)
0.00705
1935605
(+10 from 1934)
92
(-1 from 1934)
0.00860
1934615
(-24 from 1933)
93
(-3 from 1933)
0.00876
1933591
(+16 from 1932)
96
(+1 from 1932)
0.00941
1932607
(+9 from 1931)
95
(+2 from 1931)
0.00884
1931616
(-76 from 1930)
93
(-29 from 1930)
0.00869
1930540
(+80 from 1929)
122
(+26 from 1929)
0.01080
1929620
(+65 from 1928)
96
(+11 from 1928)
0.00867
1928685
(+47 from 1927)
85
(+6 from 1927)
0.00745
1927732
(-110 from 1926)
79
(-22 from 1926)
0.00680
1926622
(+88 from 1925)
101
(+18 from 1925)
0.00882
1925710
(-102 from 1924)
83
(-27 from 1924)
0.00721
1924608
(+161 from 1923)
110
(+37 from 1923)
0.00941
1923769
(-91 from 1922)
73
(-18 from 1922)
0.00645
1922678
(+37 from 1921)
91
(+7 from 1921)
0.00809
1921715
(+17 from 1920)
84
(+5 from 1920)
0.00738
1920732
(-94 from 1919)
79
(-12 from 1919)
0.00718
1919638
(+95 from 1918)
91
(+15 from 1918)
0.00896
1918733
(-93 from 1917)
76
(-10 from 1917)
0.00725
1917640
(+141 from 1916)
86
(+24 from 1916)
0.00896
1916781
(-31 from 1915)
62
(-2 from 1915)
0.00672
1915750
(-16 from 1914)
64
(+13 from 1914)
0.00727
1914734
(-93 from 1913)
51
(+3 from 1913)
0.00746
1913641
(+27 from 1912)
48
(+8 from 1912)
0.00895
1912668
(-120 from 1911)
40
(+10 from 1911)
0.00886
1911548
(+433 from 1910)
30
(+19 from 1910)
0.01243
1910981
(-302 from 1909)
11
(-5 from 1909)
0.00528
1909679
(+6 from 1908)
16
(+1 from 1908)
0.00905
1908685
(+181 from 1907)
15
(+5 from 1907)
0.00902
1907866
(-114 from 1906)
10
(-1 from 1906)
0.00631
1906752
(+339 from 1905)
11
(+5 from 1905)
0.00764
19051091
(-331 from 1904)
6
(-4 from 1904)
0.00419
1904760
(-165 from 1903)
10
(-4 from 1903)
0.00722
1903595
(+92 from 1902)
14
(+3 from 1902)
0.01083
1902687
(-128 from 1901)
11
(-2 from 1901)
0.00829
1901559
(+90 from 1900)
13
(-2 from 1900)
0.01125
1900649
(-147 from 1899)
15
No change from 1899
0.00925
1899502
(+199 from 1898)
15
(+5 from 1898)
0.01302
1898701
(-86 from 1897)
10
(-2 from 1897)
0.00757
1897615
(-81 from 1896)
12
(-3 from 1896)
0.00984
1896534
(+444 from 1895)
15
(+9 from 1895)
0.01162
1895978
(-457 from 1894)
6
(-9 from 1894)
0.00474
1894521
(+17 from 1893)
15
(+2 from 1893)
0.01201
1893538
(+254 from 1892)
13
(+5 from 1892)
0.01074
1892792
(-195 from 1891)
8
(-2 from 1891)
0.00609
1891597
(-86 from 1890)
10
(-4 from 1890)
0.00915
1890511
(+162 from 1889)
14
(+5 from 1889)
0.01170
1889673
(+82 from 1888)
9
(+1 from 1888)
0.00756
1888755
(-211 from 1887)
8
(-3 from 1887)
0.00616
1887544
(-93 from 1886)
11
(-5 from 1886)
0.01006
1886451
(+385 from 1885)
16
(+10 from 1885)
0.01344
1885836
(-332 from 1884)
6
(-8 from 1884)
0.00517
1884504
(+23 from 1883)
14
(+2 from 1883)
0.01141
1883527
(+84 from 1882)
12
(+2 from 1882)
0.01067
1882611
(-108 from 1881)
10
(-2 from 1881)
0.00819
1881503
(+137 from 1880)
12
(+3 from 1880)
0.01108
1880640
First SSA data recorded
9
First SSA data recorded
0.00760

American States Popularity Rankings for Abel

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#1392021#1342022#1332023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#1492021#1682022#1712023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#1622021#2802022#2352023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#1422021#1592022#1312023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#3512021#3062022#3482023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#2552021#2552022#2592023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#1682021#2252022#2402023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#1492021#1712022#2462023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#1782021#2272022#2392023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#1312021#1052022#3382023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#2442021#2372022#1822023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#2212021#3152022#2422023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#2282021#2462022#3272023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#2772021#2672022#2812023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#1632021#1622022#2262023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#1462021#1682022#1852023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#1512021#2522022#2482023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#2682021#2452022#3422023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#2042021#2582022#1402023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#2342021#2092022#2992023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#2192021#2032022#2152023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#1622021#1982022#1292023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#1312021#1662022#1552023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#1602021#1752022#1692023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#3642021#4822022#3472023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#1862021#1942022#1262023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#3262021#3022022#3552023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#1332021#2682022#2662023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#2062021#1282022#1572023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#2202021#2852022#5592023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#1822021#1422022#2742023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#1912021#2302022#2392023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#1652021#1842022#2582023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#2592021#3512022#4062023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#1922021#1642022#1352023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#1262021#1652022#1972023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#4212021#1762022#2272023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3102021#2152022#2272023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#892021#1542022#1502023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#4382021#3942022#3452023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1152021#992022#1752023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#2552021#1732022#2422023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1082019#872020#1382023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1672020#1652021#2322022

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#912020#2002021#1962022

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#362018#1052021#792023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1382017#1152018#1412019

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1942019#1392020#1762021

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1742013#2142015#1532016

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1742018#2012019#1322020

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#792015#1282016#422018

Popularity Rankings for Abel in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#822021#962022#1022023

Popularity in Spain

Spain flagSpain#982003

Popularity in France

France flagFrance#1152019#1152020#1082021

Popularity in Belgium

Belgium flagBelgium#1832017#1292021#1492022

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#1942020#1502021#1412022

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#1582021#1472022#1892023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#1992021#1912022#1682023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#1772021#1792022#2322023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#2242019#2102020#1782021

Popularity in Chile

Chile flagChile#1871993#1821994#1881995

Popularity in Greenland

Greenland flagGreenland#1822017#1832018#1882019

Popularity in Argentina

Argentina flagArgentina#1892009#1942014#1982015

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#2632017#2492018#2592020

Popularity in Mexico

Mexico flagMexico#2622020#2502021

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#3502021#2722022#3822023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#3362021#3292022#3622023

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#6632016#5992017#3892018

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#4252020#4142021#6862022

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#5002017#4722019#4592021

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#5042022#5652023

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Abel a Name for Boys or Girls?

Abel is traditionally a name for boys, largely due to its biblical origin where Abel is a male figure. Its masculine connotation has persisted throughout history.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Abel

Abel in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Abel Tesfaye (Singer, born 1990): A Canadian singer better known by his stage name The Weeknd, celebrated for his unique voice and hit songs.
  • Abel Ferrara (Director, born 1951): An American film director, screenwriter, and actor acclaimed for his gritty urban stories.
  • Abel Pacheco (Politician, born 1933): The President of Costa Rica from 2002 to 2006, noted for his efforts in environmental conservation.
  • Abel Gance (Director, 1889–1981): A French film director who pioneered innovative techniques in silent cinema.
  • Abel Hernández (Soccer Player, born 1990): A Uruguayan soccer player who has played for top clubs in Europe and South America.
  • Abel Resino (Soccer Player and Manager, born 1960): A Spanish former goalkeeper and manager with a significant impact in La Liga.
  • Abel Korzeniowski (Composer, born 1972): A Polish film score composer recognized for his work in movies and television.
  • Abel Turner ("Lakeview Terrace," 2008 Film): A strict and overbearing LAPD officer who clashes with his new neighbors.
  • Abel Magwitch ("Great Expectations," 1861 Novel): A convict who becomes a secret benefactor to the protagonist, Pip.
  • Abel Gideon ("Hannibal," 2013 TV Series): A serial killer who escapes custody and seeks revenge on those who wronged him.
  • Abel ("Sons of Anarchy," 2008 TV Series): The young son of Jax Teller, whose safety and future are a constant concern for the protagonist.
  • Abel Morales ("A Most Violent Year," 2014 Film): An ambitious immigrant businessman trying to protect his family and business in 1981 New York.
  • Abel ("The Giver," 1993 Novel): A character living in a dystopian society where emotions are suppressed, and sameness is enforced.
  • "Abel" (2010 Film): A Mexican film about a boy who believes he is the head of his family after his father leaves.
  • Abel Tesfaye ("The Idol," 2023 TV Series): A pop star with a mysterious past who becomes involved in the music industry's dark side.
  • Abel Tasman National Park (Tasman District, New Zealand): This national park is renowned for its stunning coastal track and beautiful beaches.
  • Abel River (New South Wales, Australia): A minor river in New South Wales contributing to the regional water system.
  • Mount Abel (British Columbia, Canada): A prominent mountain located in the Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains.
  • Abel Smith School (Wellington, New Zealand): A primary school in Wellington named after a prominent historical figure.
  • Abel Stadium (Lincoln, Nebraska, USA): A multi-use stadium in Lincoln primarily used for football and soccer events.
  • Abel City (Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine): A small urban-type settlement located within the Kyiv region.
  • Abel Lake (Stafford County, Virginia, USA): A reservoir providing recreational activities and serving as a water source for the county.

Similar Names to Abel

Sibling Names for Abel