Rising since 1985, #1,688 for boys today.
Popularity of Abiel since 1971
Babies named Abiel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 39 |
| 1980s | 81 |
| 1990s | 189 |
| 2000s | 349 |
| 2010s | 577 |
| 2020s | 382 |
Meaning & origin
Abiel is a biblical name with a clear meaning and a long, if quiet, history. First recorded in U.S. data in 1971, it has been slowly climbing in use, particularly since the mid-1980s. Its rank of 1688 in 2025 reflects a steady if modest rise. The name is most popular in Oregon, Massachusetts, and New York, suggesting a preference among parents drawn to distinctive but traditional biblical choices. While never common, its consistent upward trajectory since 1985 indicates a quiet appeal among those seeking a name with religious weight that remains uncommon.
Abiel is of Hebrew origin, derived from the elements 'ab' (father) and 'el' (God), meaning 'God is my father.' In the Hebrew Bible, Abiel is a minor figure, the grandfather of King Saul. The name has been used occasionally by English-speaking Christians since the Protestant Reformation, but it has never been common. Its modern revival, especially since the 1970s, aligns with a broader interest in biblical names with a distinctive sound.
Where Abiel is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Abi, Abe
Sibling names for Abiel
Names that share Abiel's style, for a brother or sister.
