what do you think of the name Abel?

[MaElsie]

Have always loved the name Abel - sounds lovely and soft shortened to Abe and has great associations for me.

But do you think it's awful or that it sounds too like an adjective?

Would you ever consider it as a first name, or just a middle one?

Also, have you ever heard of anyone (born in this century) who has the name?

Cain and Abel

Abel and Cole

I wouldn't use it. Too biblical. I know an Abraham that is shortened to Abe.

Love it!!

It's on my list for next time as a first name, definately.

I'd say Abraham, or Mabel for a girl?

In isolation it's a nice name...but people will think they've misheard everytime you or he say his name. Imagine the jokes.
I'm Abel (and I'm willing...?)
Then there's the biblical "killed by his brother" reference. Sorry. Awful IMO.

Great classic, easy to spell/say, underused name!

Actually, it's the Biblical reference that I like... the son who was humble and pleased God (even if he was killed by his envious brother). It does sound a bit Victorian, but then a lot of the old names are coming back.

Yes, am a bit concerned about the whole jokes thing.... Abel and willing, etc.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to convince dh of it as a 1st name, but you never know! We wanted something unusual after all.

I like it.

I am slightly ashamed of my 'celebrity baby name' knowledge, but I am pretty sure that Paul O'Grady's grandson is called Abel. Seem to remember that he wasn't too keen on the name himself and made a joke about it when he first announced it.(my defence for watching his old teatime show was that I was breastfeeding DS1 from what seemed like morning until night.

Having said that, I actually like it, it's classic but a bit different.

I like it! Probably prefe Abraham but it is a lovely name. Yes, Paul O'Grady's grandson is called this!

Like it too but I do have a Saul so like biblical names.

I like it but couldn't use it myself as have a Seth and it's a bit too close, biblically

Beautiful

I agree its a nice name taken in isolation but the biblical associations are fairly awful, as those connected with Abraham. I liked Abraham for DS 3, then looked more at Abraham's story in the Bible and decided there was no way I could use it. If the associations don't bother you however, go for it.

I like it. There were 33 born last year so you wouldn't be alone. It's been on my list a few times but the adjective connotations put me off.

I think it's a lovely name.

My little 10-week old nephew is Abel-I love it!

my mum's middle name is Abel (it's a family surname). I like it actually.

and cole

It's awful.

Cain and Abel associations. Best if he doesn't have a brother.