Declining since 2014, #5,045 for boys today.
Popularity of Able since 1912
Babies named Able per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 30 |
| 1920s | 37 |
| 1930s | 19 |
| 1940s | 20 |
| 1950s | 49 |
| 1960s | 42 |
| 1970s | 73 |
| 1980s | 95 |
| 1990s | 99 |
| 2000s | 160 |
| 2010s | 346 |
| 2020s | 145 |
Meaning & origin
Able is a rare given name in the United States, most often a spelling variant of the biblical Abel. Since first appearing in Social Security records in 1912, it has never been broadly popular. Its peak usage occurred in 2014, but since then the name has been on a downward trajectory. In 2024, the most recent year available, Able ranked 5,045 with frequency of about 1 in 89,899 births, reflecting its continued rarity. The name has not seen enough consistent use to appear among any state's top names. While its sound echoes the common English adjective 'able', its primary link is to the ancient name Abel, giving it a quiet, Biblical resonance for parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar choice.
Able is typically a variant of the biblical name Abel. Abel derives from the Hebrew 'Hevel', meaning 'breath' or 'vapor', reflecting the fleeting nature of life. In the Old Testament, Abel was the second son of Adam and Eve, slain by his brother Cain. The spelling 'Able' has been used in English-speaking countries as an occasional alternative, sometimes influenced by the common English word 'able' meaning 'competent'.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Abel
Sibling names for Able
Names that share Able's style, for a brother or sister.
