Fun Facts About the Name Abela
- 22 babies named Abela: U.S. records list 22 babies given the name Abela from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Abela Mean?
Abela does not have a single, well-documented meaning as a given name. Its clearest use is as a Maltese surname, where it is generally treated as a habitational name from Abella, the ancient town in Campania now called Avella, Italy. In that context it means "from Abella" or "of Abella," rather than carrying a separate descriptive meaning. The origin of the place name Abella is uncertain; it is not securely explained as a Hebrew name meaning "breath," a derivation sometimes attached to the similar name Abel. Where Abela is used as a feminine given name, it is likely a variant or feminine form of Abella or Abel, but the evidence for that given-name use is thin, so its meaning should be treated as uncertain.
Abela Name History & Origins
The surname Abela is long established in Malta. It is usually connected with the old Campanian town of Abella, but the surviving evidence does not give a precise date for the surname's first use on the island. A notable bearer was Giovanni Francesco Abela (1582 - 1655), a Maltese historian and antiquary whose Della Descrittione di Malta was published in 1647. His work is a documented example of the surname in Malta, not proof that he founded it.
As a first name, Abela is much less common and has no separate well-attested history of its own. It appears in modern use as a feminine name in some families and regions, often as a form of Abella or Abel, but a distinct given-name tradition cannot be traced with confidence. The surname's connection to the Italian place name is the clearest historical fact; the given-name use should be described as rare and etymologically uncertain.
How Popular is the Name Abela?
Abela has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2015. Its best rank was #14,494 in 2015.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | #15,920 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2016 | #16,240 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2015 | #14,494 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2010 | #14,969 | 6 | 0.0003% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
Most Popular Girl Names That Start with A
Short Girl Names That Start with A
How the Name Abela Shapes Your Personality and Life?
Powerful and complete. You are good intellectually and require several outlets for your energies. You are not a builder but a planner, and you want others to carry out your plans. You are bold, independent, inquisitive and interested in research. You know what you want and why you want it.
Creative and outgoing, you are always looking for an opportunity to show your abilities, especially before audience. You are very flexible and like to feel appreciated. You are looking for chances to mix with others socially and to communicate your ideas. You like to talk and can easily relate to different cultures and concepts. The biggest challenge for you is uncertainty. Easily getting bored, you can move from one job to another, switch projects and lovers. The high creative force can lead you either to happiness or unhappiness. If you understand your goals, if you can make major decisions in life and follow it directly and straight up without worry and uncertainty, you are able to achieve great heights.
✦ Abela's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Abela's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.