Find out how popular the first name Abela has been for the last 8 years (from 2010 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Abela by gender

Based on the last 8 years of data, Abela is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Abela.

The history of the first name Abela

The name Abela is of Maltese origin and is believed to have its roots in the Arabic language. The name is derived from the Arabic word "abila," which means "modest" or "humble." This suggests that the name was originally given to individuals who were perceived to possess these qualities.

The earliest known record of the name Abela can be traced back to the 16th century on the island of Malta, which has a rich cultural heritage influenced by various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. During this time, the name was primarily used within the Maltese Christian community.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Abela was Gian Francesco Abela, a Maltese historian and writer born in 1582. He is best known for his work "Della Descrittione di Malta" (Description of Malta), a comprehensive historical account of the island's past, published in 1647.

Another notable figure bearing the name Abela was Maria Adeodata Abela, a Maltese nun who lived in the 18th century. She founded the Convent of St. Catherine in Żejtun, Malta, and was renowned for her piety and charitable works.

In the 19th century, Fortunato Abela, a Maltese painter and sculptor, gained recognition for his artwork depicting religious themes and scenes from Maltese life. He was born in 1835 and was considered one of the most prominent artists of his time in Malta.

Moving into the 20th century, Alfredo Abela, a Maltese architect and civil engineer born in 1906, left his mark on the architectural landscape of Malta. He designed several prominent buildings, including the National Library of Malta and the Auberge d'Aragon in Valletta.

More recently, in the field of literature, Mary Abela, a Maltese writer and poet born in 1954, has made significant contributions to the island's cultural heritage. Her works often explore themes of identity, belonging, and the Maltese experience.

While the name Abela has its origins in Malta, it has since spread to other parts of the world, particularly among individuals of Maltese descent or those with ties to the island's rich cultural heritage.

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 Abela was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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