Avner

♂ Boy

Pronounced AHV-ner /ˈɑv.nɛr/Medium

Meaning: From Hebrew Avner (Abner), 'the father of light; my father is a lamp' (av, 'father', plus ner, 'a lamp, light')Medium

In 30 seconds: The father of light: Avner is Hebrew for 'the father of light'. Lyrical, classic, and warm (said 'AHV-ner').

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Origin MediumHebrew

MeaningFrom Hebrew Avner (Abner), 'the father of light; my father is a lamp' (av, 'father', plus ner, 'a lamp, light')

U.S. rank (2025)#5635 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births16 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2015

Total births (all-time)≈ 380

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

Avner is the Hebrew form of Abner — 'the father of light; my father is a lamp' (av, 'father', plus ner, 'a lamp, a light'). In the Bible, Abner was the commander of King Saul's army. A lyrical, classic Hebrew name (said 'AHV-ner'; nickname Avi).

In the U.S. it appears in Jewish families. Rare, the-father-of-light at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Avner (Abner) means 'the father of light; my father is a lamp' (Hebrew av, 'father', plus ner, 'a lamp, light') — the commander of King Saul's army — a lyrical, classic name (said 'AHV-ner').

Overall data confidence 72%

Behind the Name — Abner — root etymology

Variations

AbnerAvnir

Nicknames

Avi

Famous Bearers

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If you like Avner…

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Avner mean?

Avner is the Hebrew Abner — 'the father of light; my father is a lamp'.

How do you pronounce Avner?

It's said AHV-ner /ˈɑv.nɛr/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Avner a boy or girl name?

Avner is a boy's name.

How popular is Avner?

Avner is a rare name in the U.S.