Abner - Name Meaning and Origin

The boy's name Abner \a-bner, ab-ner\ is pronounced AB-ner. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "father of light". Biblical: King Saul of Israel's army chief, a valiant warrior and clever strategist. The name came into prominence in the late 16th century, but has become uncommon in this century, and is now mostly associated with Al Capp's comic strip "Li'l Abner". The name has a masculine, uncompromising air. Inventer of baseball Abner Doubleday.

Abner has 13 variant forms: Ab, Abbey, Abbie, Abby, Abe, Abna, Abnar, Abnor, Avner, Eb, Ebbie, Ebby and Ebner.

Abner is a very rare male first name and a very popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy's name Abner. Click here to compare Abner with related baby names.