Abe

♂ Boy

Pronounced AYB /eɪb/High

Meaning: Father of many nations; English short form of Abraham, from Hebrew Avraham (av: father + raham: multitude — father of a multitude)High

In 30 seconds: The English short form of Abraham meaning 'father of many nations.' Simple, one-syllable, and resonant — Abe Lincoln remains America's most beloved president, giving this name the warmth of honest, humble greatness.

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Origin HighHebrew, English

MeaningFather of many nations; English short form of Abraham, from Hebrew Avraham (av: father + raham: multitude — father of a multitude)

U.S. rank (2025)#2207 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births64 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1917

Total births (all-time)≈ 9,692

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Abe is an English short form of Abraham, from Hebrew Avraham (father of a multitude). The patriarch Abraham was renamed from Abram in Genesis 17:5 as a sign of God's covenant. As a standalone name Abe was particularly common in Jewish communities and became iconic through Abraham Lincoln.

Abe ranked #2416 for boys in 2024. It is used as both a standalone name and a nickname for Abraham in Jewish American and general communities.

Did you know? Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) is consistently ranked the greatest U.S. president in presidential surveys. He grew up in a log cabin, taught himself to read by firelight, lost seven elections before winning the presidency, and led the country through the Civil War — making 'Honest Abe' a name synonymous with perseverance and moral clarity.

Overall data confidence 94%

Behind the Name — Abe — Hebrew etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AbrahamAvraham

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)
16th President of the United States, known as Honest Abe. Led the country through the Civil War and issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Consistently rated among the greatest U.S. presidents.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Abe mean?

Abe means 'father of many nations,' the English short form of Abraham, from Hebrew Avraham (father of a multitude).

How do you pronounce Abe?

It's said AYB /eɪb/ — one syllable, rhyming with 'babe.'

Is Abe a boy or girl name?

Abe is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Abe?

Abe ranked #2416 for U.S. boys in 2024.