Abner
How to say it: AB-ner · /ˈæbnər/
Biblical Hebrew name meaning 'my father is a light' (Av = father, Ner = lamp). A general in King Saul's army.
Abner was the 808th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 274 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1880s, its births are up about 37% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #683 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #808 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 274 |
| Share of births | 1 in 12,099 |
| Peak decade | 1880s |
| Change over 10 years | +37% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #683 |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Once common in the 1880s, Abner grew quiet through the 1950s. Well below that early peak, it looks ready to rise again.
What goes with it
Short and solid with soft and crisp sounds, Abner feels biblical. Amos matches its spirit.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Abner is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, Hebrew, Portuguese, Spanish.
Famous people named Abner
- Abner Vinícius (born 2000)Brazilian footballer
- Abner Felipe Souza de Almeida (born 1996)Brazilian footballer
- Abner Mares (born 1985)Mexican professional boxer
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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