Abner

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Abner

Gender: Masculine
Language: English
Etymology:
Abner comes from a Hebrew name meaning “Divine Father of Light.”

History:
Abner was an Old Testament name(belonging to the commander of Saul’s army) revived by 17th century Puritans. Traditionally, it has been more common in North America than in Britain, but is very unpopular now.

Pronunciation: ab-nurr.

Alternates: Avner, Abnur.

Famous Bearers:
Fictional Characters:
Li’l Abner
Cartoon strip by Al Capp.

Miscellaneous:
Abner Doubleday (1819-1893)
American army officer. Often credited with inventing baseball.

Religious Figures:
Abner Kneeland (1794-1844)
American radical clergyman.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
less than 0.004 % named Abner

Popularity of Abner:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1910: 569th most popular.
1910-1920: 637th most popular.
1920-1930: 930th most popular.
1930-1980: N/A
1980-1990: 977th most popular.
1990-2000: N/A
1998: N/A
1999: N/A
2000: 996th most popular.
2001: N/A
2002: N/A