Able
Able is a boy's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Breath, vapor, or capable.
Origin and history
Able is a variant spelling of the biblical name Abel, derived from the Hebrew name Hevel meaning 'breath' or 'vapor.' It is also understood as an English virtue word name implying capability and strength. In the United States, it remains a rare alternative to the classic spelling Abel.
Popularity in the United States
1,115 babies in the United States have been named Able since 1880. It ranks #3576 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1782.
States where it is most popular
- CA (55.4 %)
- TX (40.2 %)
- PA (4.5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 30 |
| 1920-1930 | 37 |
| 1930-1940 | 19 |
| 1940-1950 | 20 |
| 1950-1960 | 49 |
| 1960-1970 | 42 |
| 1970-1980 | 73 |
| 1980-1990 | 95 |
| 1990-2000 | 99 |
| 2000-2010 | 160 |
| 2010-2019 | 346 |
| 2020-2029 | 145 |
Fun facts
- The name functions both as an alternate spelling of biblical Abel and as a literal English vocabulary word for competency.
- Fewer than 1,200 males have been registered with the exact spelling Able in official U.S. birth records since 1880.