Abel
Breath, vapor — a boy name of Hebrew origin
Popularity of Abel in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Abel
Abel derives from the Hebrew "Hevel," meaning "breath" or "vapor," fittingly evoking the fleeting nature of life. In Genesis, Abel was the second son of Adam and Eve, a shepherd whose murder by his brother Cain has made his name a byword for innocence wronged. The name has been used steadily since medieval times across Christian, Jewish, and secular communities alike, prized for its brevity and biblical weight. Today Abel enjoys renewed popularity in the United States and parts of Europe, partly boosted by the Canadian singer The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye.
Abel Around the World
Abel is used in 6 languages worldwide, with 8+ international variants.
Female FormAbela
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Abel
Famous People Named Abel
- Abel Tesfaye — Canadian singer known as The Weeknd
- Abel Ferrara — American film director
- Abel Xavier — Portuguese footballer
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Sibling Name Ideas for Abel
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Abel mean?
Abel is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Breath, vapor." Abel derives from the Hebrew "Hevel," meaning "breath" or "vapor," fittingly evoking the fleeting nature of life. In Genesis, Abel was the second son of Adam and Eve, a shepherd whose murder by his brother Cain has made his name a byword for innocence wronged.
How do you pronounce Abel?
Abel is pronounced AY-buhl. Common variations include Abelard, Habel, Avel.
Is Abel a boy name?
Yes, Abel is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Ab, Abie.
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