Abraham is a name of Hebrew origin that has been widely recognized and used across different cultures throughout history. The name first appears in the Hebrew Bible as the patriarch Abraham, who was the founding father of the Israelites according to Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
The name Abraham means "father of many nations" or "exalted father." This meaning is derived from its components: "Av" (אב) which means father, and "Ham" (הם) which means multitude. The name reflects Abraham's role as the ancestor of many nations, including Israelites, Arabs, and others.
The name Abraham has been popular throughout history and has been used by various notable figures. Some examples include:
* Abraham ibn Ezra (1089-1167), a renowned Spanish Jewish philosopher, poet, and biblical commentator.
* Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), the 16th President of the United States who led his country through its greatest internal crisis, the American Civil War.
* Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598), a Flemish cartographer known for his work in compiling the first modern world atlas.
In addition to its historical significance, the name Abraham continues to be popular today. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Abraham ranked as the 430th most popular boy's name in the United States in 2020.
Overall, Abraham is a name with deep roots in history and culture that carries a significant meaning. Its widespread use across different religions and cultures is a testament to its enduring appeal.
The name Abraham has been given to a total of 208 babies born in the United States between 1971 and 2017. The number of births varied from year to year, with some years seeing more than ten babies named Abraham, while other years saw fewer than five.
The most popular years for naming a baby boy Abraham were 1984, 1987, and 2014, each with ten births recorded. Interestingly, the name Abraham also experienced a resurgence in popularity recently, with six births recorded in both 2013 and 2015.
Overall, while the number of babies named Abraham may have fluctuated over the years, it's clear that this historic and timeless name continues to be chosen by parents for their newborn sons.