Abel: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced AY-buhl · 2 syllables
Abel means “breath, vapor; vanity; son”, from Hebrew and English and Latin.
From Middle English Abel, from Old English Abel, from Latin Abel, from Ancient Greek (Habel), from Biblical Hebrew (Hebel, “Abel”), possibly from the homonymous word (hebel, “breath, vapor; vanity”) or from Akkadian (ablu, “son”).
- Meaning
- breath, vapor; vanity; son
- Origin
- Hebrew, English, Latin
- Pronunciation
- AY-buhl
- US rank (2025)
- #231
- US babies a year
- about 1,739 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2010
- Style
- Biblical
How popular is Abel?
Abel was the #231 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,530 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2010.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #231 |
| England & Wales | #210 |
| Scotland | #261 |
| Northern Ireland | #252 |
| Ireland | #417 |
| France | #103 |
| Norway | #110 |
| Canada | #330 |
| Australia | #302 |
How old are people named Abel?
Half of US adults named Abel are older than 36; most are between 19 and 72. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Abel
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Abel
What does the name Abel mean?
Abel means “breath, vapor; vanity; son”. It comes from Hebrew and English and Latin.
How do you pronounce Abel?
Abel is pronounced AY-buhl.
How popular is the name Abel?
Abel was the #231 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,530 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2010.
How old are people named Abel?
Half of US adults named Abel are older than 36. Most are between 19 and 72.