Able Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Able has Hebrew origins, meaning 'breath' or 'vapor.' It evolved from the Hebrew 'Hevel' to Latin 'Abel' and then to the English 'Able.' The name is associated with traits of strength and righteousness due to its biblical relevance. Although less common today, it carries a positive perception and is linked to notable figures in history.
The name Able is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Able has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Able' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3918th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4717th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3729th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4153rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5158th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4616th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3484th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Able' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Able"
Pronunciation
/ˈeɪbəl/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name 'Able' derives from the Hebrew name 'Hevel,' meaning 'breath' or 'vapor.' In the biblical context, it is associated with the second son of Adam and Eve, who was killed by his brother Cain.
Meaning
breath, vapor
Language Evolution
Hevel (Hebrew), Abel (Latin), Able (English)
Biblical Background
The name is prominently featured in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Genesis, where Abel is recognized for his righteousness.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, often associated with its biblical roots.
Variants & Derivatives
Abel, Abell, Abe
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Able is viewed positively, often associated with strength and capability, and it remains less common compared to its variant Abel.
Famous People
Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer known for his voyages in the 17th century., Abel Ferrara, an American film director, producer, and screenwriter.
Explore More Able Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Able"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Able"
"Able" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3918th of 7545 | 67 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4717th of 6773 | 31 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3729th of 7552 | 85 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4153rd of 10718 | 100 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5158th of 16616 | 137 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4616th of 24088 | 292 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 3484th of 23106 | 384 |
Regional Popularity of "Able" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
70.66% 2016th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
61.74% 2172nd/3518 |
60.78% 2458th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
62.75% 3259th/5194 |
55.42% 3501st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
52.56% 3844th/7313 |
48.32% 3606th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
83.98% 3768th/4487 |
74.46% 5080th/6822 |
51.59% 3238th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Able" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Able"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Able" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.