Abir

Meaning & origin

Abir is a name of Arabic origin that has carried the meaning 'fragrance' for centuries. In the United States, it first appeared on the Social Security Administration's records in 1995, and has since maintained a modest presence. Its peak popularity came in 2021, when it ranked highest among all years. However, since 2020 the name has been falling in usage, reflecting a gradual decline that may continue. Among states, New Jersey and California have been the top homes for boys named Abir, suggesting a concentration in regions with larger Arab American communities. While the name remains relatively rare at approximately 1 in 56,936 births in 2025, its cultural richness and pleasant meaning continue to attract parents seeking a distinctive name with deep roots.

Abir derives from the Arabic word 'عَبِير' (ʿabīr) meaning 'fragrance' or 'perfume'. In Hebrew, it is also used as a masculine name meaning 'strong' or 'mighty', though the Arabic sense is more common. The name has been used across the Arab world and among Muslim communities for centuries, sometimes as a feminine variant of the more common 'Abir'. Its use in the United States has gradually increased since the mid-1990s.