Rising since 1985, #2,064 for girls today.
Popularity of Abilene since 1964
Babies named Abilene per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 33 |
| 1990s | 174 |
| 2000s | 327 |
| 2010s | 670 |
| 2020s | 465 |
Meaning & origin
Abilene is a place name with biblical roots that has recently found new life as a given name for girls. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1964 and, after decades of rare use, began climbing steadily in popularity starting in the mid-1980s. As of 2025, it ranks 2064, with 1 in 17662 girls given the name, and reached its highest recorded rank in 2024, suggesting growing appeal. The name is most common in Virginia, Colorado, and Georgia, reflecting a pattern that may follow other place-inspired names. Its sound evokes a classic-yet-modern feel, sharing stylistic ground with names like Adelaide and Amelia.
The name derives from the Hebrew word 'abel' (meaning 'meadow' or 'stream') found in the biblical region of Abilene mentioned in the Gospel of Luke. It came into use primarily as a place name in the United States, notably for the city in Texas, and began being used as a given name in the 20th century.
Where Abilene is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Abbi, Abby, Lena
Sibling names for Abilene
Names that share Abilene's style, for a brother or sister.
