Abel
Definition
In the Bible Abel is the name of the second son of Adam and Eve, who was killed in a fit of jealousy by his brother Cain. As in the case of so many early biblical names, it is difficult to work out the meaning. It has been suggested that the name comes from a word meaning "son" or perhaps from another word meaning "breath", the meaning of the current Hebrew form of the name Hevel. It was one of the rarer biblical names among the Puritans, who used Nab as a pet form, and while still not common, has probably been used more in the last 20 years than at any other time. Abel Tasman (c.1603–1659) who discovered not only Tasmania, but also New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji, is a famous bearer.
Sex
Boys
Similar names
Naming Your Baby
Copyright © 2007 Julia Cresswell
