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Abel

Boy name · 206 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Abel: 206 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 27 births in 2023.

Abel is a name with deep biblical roots, coming from the Hebrew Hevel, meaning "breath" or "vapor" – a poignant reference to the fleeting nature of life. In the Book of Genesis, Abel is the righteous second son of Adam and Eve, famously killed by his jealous brother Cain, making the name a symbol of innocence and sacrifice. Its most celebrated bearer is the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, who in the 1640s became the first European to reach New Zealand and Tasmania – the latter island was named in his honour. In music, the name is also carried by composer Abel Korzeniowski, known for his film scores. A notable variant is Abelard, forever linked to the tragic medieval love story of Héloïse and Abelard, while the name consistently appears in Scotland's birth records, quietly enduring as a classic choice.