Abner

♂ Boy

Pronounced AB-ner /ˈæb.nər/High

Meaning: From the Hebrew Avner, composed of av (father) and ner (lamp, light), meaning 'my father is a lamp' or 'father of light'; the name of the commander of Saul's army in the First Book of SamuelHigh

In 30 seconds: Abner is a venerable Hebrew name meaning father of light or my father is a lamp, carried by a general in King Saul's army. A Puritan favorite and Civil War general's name, it is experiencing a quiet 21st-century revival.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighHebrew

MeaningFrom the Hebrew Avner, composed of av (father) and ner (lamp, light), meaning 'my father is a lamp' or 'father of light'; the name of the commander of Saul's army in the First Book of Samuel

U.S. rank (2025)#874 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births274 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 9,452

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Abner comes from the Hebrew Avner, composed of av (father) and ner (lamp, light), meaning 'my father is a lamp' or 'father of light'. In the Hebrew Bible, Abner (Avner) was the cousin of King Saul and commander of his army (1 Samuel 14:50), a figure of considerable military and political significance in the early Israelite monarchy. He was later murdered by Joab during David's reign.

Abner was popular among English Puritans in the 17th century as a biblical name with a strong masculine heritage. In the United States it was reasonably common in the 18th and 19th centuries — Civil War General Abner Doubleday (1819–1893) is the most famous American bearer. The name has declined significantly since then but is experiencing a modest revival as part of the broader enthusiasm for rare, substantive Old Testament names.

Did you know? Abner Doubleday is often (though incorrectly) credited with inventing baseball in Cooperstown, New York, in 1839 — despite historians having thoroughly debunked this story — making Abner one of those names permanently linked to a founding myth that turned out to be legend.

Overall data confidence 93%

Behind the Name — Abner — Hebrew etymology and biblical usage1 Samuel 14:50, Hebrew Bible — Abner as Saul's military commander

Variations

AvnerAbnar

Nicknames

AbAbbie

Famous Bearers

★Abner Doubleday (1819–1893)
American Civil War general who is sometimes incorrectly credited with inventing baseball, a legend historians have refuted.

If you like Abner…

Ezra— same Old Testament Hebrew name experiencing a modern revival

Amos— fellow rare but distinguished Hebrew prophet name with biblical depth

Gideon— shares the Old Testament Hebrew judge and warrior association

Barnabas— same category of rare but substantive biblical names coming back into fashion

Frequently Asked

What does the name Abner mean?

Abner means father of light or my father is a lamp, from Hebrew av (father) and ner (lamp, light).

How do you pronounce Abner?

It is said AB-ner, with two syllables.

Is Abner a popular name?

Abner was popular among Puritans and in 19th-century America; it has declined but is seeing a modest modern revival.

Is Abner a biblical name?

Yes — Abner was the commander of King Saul's army in the First Book of Samuel.