Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Abel
BoyHebrew· “breath”
- Meaning
- breath
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- AY-buhl
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #231
- US babies 2025
- 1,525
- Best rank
- #124 (2015)
- Peak year
- 2015
Meaning and origin of Abel
Abel is a Hebrew name that means “breath”.
Abel comes from the Hebrew Hevel, a word meaning "breath" or "vapor," the same word the Book of Ecclesiastes uses for things that are fleeting. In Genesis, Abel is the second son of Adam and Eve, a shepherd killed by his brother Cain. The name was used in the Middle Ages and taken up again by Puritans, and it has remained in steady use across Europe and Latin America. The explorer Abel Tasman gave his name to Tasmania. Abel is short, gentle and classic, with a quiet strength. Abe is an easy nickname.
Other spellings with the same sound: Able.
Popularity over time
Abel has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 145 different years. Its best national rank was #124 in 2015, the same year it reached its highest count of 3,245 babies. In 2025, 1,525 babies were named Abel, and it ranked #231 nationally. That is 53% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #732 in 1920, #514 in 1950, #366 in 1980, #352 in 2000, #293 in 2010, and #231 in 2025. Of the 66,037 US boys named Abel since records began, 36% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 10,674 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Kaiden, Brantley, Jayce, Braxton, and Harrison.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Abel ranked highest in Nevada, New Mexico, and Maine.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | #148 | 21 |
| New Mexico | #148 | 13 |
| Maine | #151 | 8 |
| Rhode Island | #155 | 7 |
| California | #157 | 246 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Abel is usually pronounced AY-buhl, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with A and ends in “-el”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Able.
Middle names for Abel
A few middle names that flow with Abel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Abel
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Lists that include Abel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Abel mean?
Abel is a Hebrew name that means “breath”.
What is the origin of the name Abel?
Abel has Hebrew roots. Abel comes from the Hebrew Hevel, a word meaning "breath" or "vapor," the same word the Book of Ecclesiastes uses for things that are fleeting.
Is Abel a popular name?
Yes. Abel ranked #231 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Abel a boy or girl name?
Abel is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Abel?
Abel is usually pronounced AY-buhl. 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