Abel - name meaning, origin

The boy's name Abel \a-

is pronounced AY-bel. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "breath, vapour". From the Hebrew name Hevel, and the meaning implies vanity. The name may also derive from an Assyrian word meaning "meadow". Biblical: the second son of Adam and Eve. According to the Christian Church, he is a pre-Christian martyr and is invoked as a saint in the litany for the dying. The name has been in steady use since the sixth century, and is popular in Spain.

Abel has 8 variant forms: Abe, Abele, Abell, Abelson, Abey, Abie, Able and Avel.

For more information, see also the related name Abelard.

Baby names that sound like Abel are Abiel and Abyel.

Abel is a very common first name for men (#485 out of 1220) and also a very common last name for both men and women (#1774 out of 88799). (1990 U.S. Census)

Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy name Abel. Compare Abel with its variant forms and related boy names.

[Top]