Abner – Name Meaning
The name Abner is of Hebrew origin and means “Father of Light”. It is a biblical name, derived from the Hebrew word “aben” which means “father” and “or” which means “light”. The name Abner has been used in the Bible since the time of King David, when he appointed Abner as commander of his army.
Abner is a strong and powerful name that carries with it a sense of leadership and authority. It is a name that is often associated with strength, courage, and determination. People with this name are often seen as natural leaders who are able to take charge in difficult situations.
Abner is also a popular choice for parents looking for a unique name for their baby boy. It has an interesting sound that stands out from other more common names. It also has a strong meaning behind it that can be inspiring to children as they grow up.
Popularity
The name Abner has been steadily increasing in popularity over the past few years. In 2018, it was ranked at #845 on the Social Security Administration’s list of most popular baby names in the United States. This makes it one of the more popular choices for parents looking for something unique but still recognizable.
Famous People Named Abner
There have been several famous people throughout history who have borne the name Abner. These include:
- Abner Doubleday – American Civil War general and credited with inventing baseball
- Abner Mikva – American politician and former White House counsel
- Abner J. Mikva – American judge and former U.S. Congressman
- Abner Haynes – American football player and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Use in Popular Culture
The name Abner has been used in various forms of popular culture over the years. One example is in the comic strip Li’l Abner, which ran from 1934 to 1977 and featured characters named Abner and Daisy Mae Yokum. The character Abner Kravitz from the television show Bewitched was also named after this biblical figure.
In addition, there have been several songs written about or referencing Abner over the years, including “Abner Brown” by Bob Dylan, “Abner Come Home” by John Prine, and “Abner Jay” by Johnny Cash.