Is Abel mean?

[iamamama]

We're really stuck on names for our second boy and Abe/Abel is the only one we both like... we didn't have the guts to use it first time round.

Do you think it's mean to call a child Abel? I really love it but worry about him being teased for being 'able' or not so able. Do you think it's a valid concern or am I overthinking?

Advice would be much appreciated please! (and sorry I posted this in the wrong place originally - doh)

[MrsS1990]

I like it. It's a lovely name

[lovenancy]

If you like the sound of Abel What about Albie, short for Albert?

[Liz09]

I don't think it's mean, no. It's unusual but unusual is not inherently mean anymore. I was a teacher's aide in a Catholic school for a while a few years ago and there were far "stranger" names than Abel... Moses, for example! Or Giverny, like the place where Monet lived.

I think Abel will be fine. Actually, didn't Amy Poehler name her child Abel? I could be wrong... but she seems pretty normal to me (as far as celebs go)

[AmysTiara]

No I like it and my son who's 12 knows two boys called Abel.

[Cakescakescakes]

It sounds nice but I wouldnt like the connotations of it (ie Abel was murdered by his brother in the Bible story).

[EllaHen]

I met an Abel about 14 years ago. He was such a lovely chap. Anyway, my initial reaction was 'unusual name' but within minutes I thought it was one of the best names ever.

Go for it.

[iamamama]

Thanks for your replies! I'm not overly worried about the biblical references so it's good to hear you know of some!

Albie/Albert I'm not so keen on but maybe I should consider - thank you! :)

[pieceofpurplesky]

Abe but not Abel.
Bott biblical and 'able' reasons

[Sophronia]

I like Abel a lot, and Abe short for Abraham or Abram

[MrsGsnow18]

I like Abel and if it helps would never have thought about the whole 'able' thing!

[caju]

You could use the latin pronunciation, which is ah-BELL.

[CodewordRochambeau]

Better to be Abel than Cain.

[SteviebunsBottrittrundle]

I like it but I far prefer Abraham. You could still use the nn Abe with that too.

[PlumpAndPlain]

I have an Abel - go for it! No problems here

[WordGetsAround]

I love it! Also like Bede, is that any good?

[whatstheplanphil]

I love Abel/Abe it's s great name !

[Mrsfrumble]

Abe can short for Abraham too, which is lovely name.

[iamamama]

Thanks everyone!! I'm not so keen on Abraham - it seems a bit to grand. Really appreciate your thoughts!!