Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Abner
BoyHebrew· “my father is light”
- Meaning
- my father is light
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- AB-nur
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #874
- US babies 2025
- 274
- Best rank
- #289 (1881)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Abner
Abner is a Hebrew name that means “my father is light”.
Abner comes from Hebrew and means my father is light. In the Hebrew Bible, Abner is the commander of King Saul's army and a cousin of Saul. After Saul's death, Abner supported Saul's son Ish-bosheth before reaching terms with David. The name was used by Puritans in colonial America and later by the cartoonist Al Capp in his comic strip Li'l Abner. Abner feels old-fashioned, sturdy and quietly charming. Abe and Ab are possible nicknames, and the name pairs well with many surnames.
Popularity over time
Abner 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 59 different years. Its best national rank was #289 in 1881, and the most babies received it in 2024, when 293 were named Abner. In 2025, 274 babies were named Abner, and it ranked #874 nationally. That is 38% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #792 in 1920, #1,340 in 1950, #1,496 in 1980, #1,196 in 2000, #1,143 in 2010, and #874 in 2025. Of the 9,454 US boys named Abner since records began, 20% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,413 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Yadiel, Coleson, Massimo, Yisroel, and Jettson.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Abner ranked highest in Georgia, Maryland, and Alabama.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | #566 | 18 |
| Maryland | #571 | 8 |
| Alabama | #573 | 8 |
| Tennessee | #592 | 12 |
| Pennsylvania | #605 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Abner is usually pronounced AB-nur, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-er”.
Middle names for Abner
A few middle names that flow with Abner: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Abner
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Lists that include Abner
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Abner mean?
Abner is a Hebrew name that means “my father is light”.
What is the origin of the name Abner?
Abner has Hebrew roots. Abner comes from Hebrew and means my father is light.
Is Abner a popular name?
Yes. Abner ranked #874 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Abner a boy or girl name?
Abner is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Abner?
Abner is usually pronounced AB-nur. 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