Noah Boy
NOH-uh
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#2
Abbas
BoyArabic· “stern, austere; also lion”
- Meaning
- stern, austere; also lion
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- uh-BAHS
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,284
- US babies 2025
- 61
- Best rank
- #1,671 (2018)
- Peak year
- 2018
Meaning and origin of Abbas
Abbas is an Arabic name that means “stern, austere; also lion”.
Abbas is an Arabic name meaning "stern" or "austere," and it is also used as a name for the lion. Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib, an uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, gave his name to the Abbasid caliphate, which ruled from Baghdad for centuries. Abbas ibn Ali, a son of Ali, is revered in Shia Islam. It is said uh-BAHS, with stress on the second syllable. Its history across Arab, Persian and South Asian cultures gives it weight and dignity.
Popularity over time
Abbas first appears in US Social Security records in 1975. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,671 in 2018, the same year it reached its highest count of 95 babies. In 2025, 61 babies were named Abbas, and it ranked #2,284 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #4,495 in 1980, #2,993 in 2000, #2,632 in 2010, and #2,284 in 2025. Of the 1,843 US boys named Abbas since records began, 37% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 409 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Maceo, Yehoshua, Ayub, Samarth, and Gryffin.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Abbas ranked highest in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | #445 | 19 |
| Pennsylvania | #1232 | 5 |
| Illinois | #1281 | 5 |
| California | #2473 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Abbas is usually pronounced uh-BAHS, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-as”.
Middle names for Abbas
A few middle names that flow with Abbas: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Abbas
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Lists that include Abbas
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Abbas mean?
Abbas is an Arabic name that means “stern, austere; also lion”.
What is the origin of the name Abbas?
Abbas has Arabic roots. Abbas is an Arabic name meaning "stern" or "austere," and it is also used as a name for the lion.
Is Abbas a popular name?
Not especially. Abbas ranked #2,284 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Abbas a boy or girl name?
Abbas is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Abbas?
Abbas is usually pronounced uh-BAHS. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings