Summary

The surname ABEL is of Hebrew origin and is derived from the name Abel meaning 'breath' or 'vapor'. It has biblical roots and is famously associated with the story of Cain and Abel. The surname has spread worldwide and is found in various countries across the globe.
There are
18464
Abels in the USA
Abel is the
1958th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Abel

NielsHenrik

Niels Henrik Abel was a Norwegian mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in the areas of algebra and analysis. He is best known for his proof of the impossibility of solving the general quintic equation algebraically.

WalterAbel

Walter Abel was an American actor known for his roles in several classic Hollywood films, including 'Holiday Inn' and 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.' He also had a successful stage career, appearing in numerous Broadway productions.

ClarkeAbel

Clarke Abel was a British physician and naturalist who accompanied Lord Amherst on his embassy to China in the early 19th century. He conducted botanical and zoological research during the expedition and published several scientific works based on his findings.

FrederickAbel

Frederick Abel was an English chemist known for his work on the development of explosive materials, particularly in collaboration with Sir James Dewar. He also made significant contributions to the fields of photography and metallurgy.

KarlFriedrich

Karl Friedrich Abel was a German composer and conductor who was active during the late 18th century. He is best known for his compositions for various string instruments, particularly the viola da gamba.

RachelAbelson

Rachel Abelson was an American civil rights activist who played a crucial role in the desegregation of public schools in the United States. She worked alongside the NAACP and other organizations to challenge discriminatory practices and fight for equal educational opportunities.

PeterAbelard

Peter Abelard was a medieval French philosopher, theologian, and logician who is best known for his writings on ethics and religious philosophy. He had a significant influence on the development of scholasticism and is remembered for his controversial love affair with Héloïse d'Argenteuil.

GiuseppeAbela

Giuseppe Abela was an Italian painter active during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He is known for his religious and mythological works, characterized by their vibrant colors and dramatic compositions.

AlexAbel

Alex Abel is a contemporary Canadian artist known for his abstract paintings that explore the intersections of color, shape, and texture. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.

MarieAbel

Marie Abel was a French actress who had a successful career in both silent and sound films. She appeared in numerous French and international productions, working with acclaimed directors such as Jean Renoir and Marcel L'Herbier.

Abel Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Abel' is of Hebrew origin and is derived from the biblical name Abel, meaning 'breath' or 'vanity.' It is believed to have been used as a personal name before becoming a surname.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Abel' is found in various countries around the world, including Germany, France, the United States, and Israel. It has a relatively low frequency of occurrence compared to other surnames.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Abel' include 'Abelson' and 'Abela.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Abel' has been carried by immigrants to different countries throughout history, particularly during periods of political and economic upheaval. Some notable migrations of people with the surname 'Abel' include those during the wave of Jewish immigration from Europe to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.