Find out how popular the first name Abba has been for the last 25 years (from 1999 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Abba by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Abba is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 93% of people named Abba being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 5 female babies born with the name Abba.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby girls were named Abba in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Abba

The given name Abba has its origins in the Aramaic language, which was widely spoken in ancient Mesopotamia and the Levant. The name is derived from the Aramaic word "abba," meaning "father." It was a term of endearment used by children to address their fathers.

In the Bible, the word "Abba" is used in reference to God as a father figure. It appears in several passages, such as Mark 14:36, where Jesus addresses God as "Abba, Father." This usage reflects the intimate and personal relationship between God and his followers.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Abba is in the Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism. The Talmud mentions several rabbis with the name Abba, including Abba Arika (175-247 CE), also known as Rav, who was a prominent Babylonian scholar and leader.

In early Christianity, the name Abba was used by some notable figures. Abba Poemen (340-450 CE) was an influential Desert Father and ascetic monk in Egypt. Abba Moses the Black (330-405 CE) was another Desert Father who was revered for his wisdom and spiritual guidance.

During the Byzantine era, the name Abba was relatively common among Eastern Orthodox Christians. Abba Philemon (609-619 CE) was a notable Patriarch of Constantinople, and Abba Isidore (c. 700 CE) was a well-known theologian and scholar from Alexandria.

In the Middle Ages, the name Abba appeared in various European contexts. Abba Odonis (1060-1109 CE) was a Benedictine abbot and saint from England. Abba Radbertus (c. 790-860 CE) was a Frankish theologian and author who wrote extensively on the Eucharist.

While not as widely used in more recent centuries, the name Abba has continued to be given to individuals in various cultures and religious traditions. Abba Eban (1915-2002) was an Israeli diplomat and politician who served as the Foreign Minister of Israel from 1966 to 1974.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Abba was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Abba, please contact us.

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