Aba
Primarily a girl's name of African origin with 27 recorded births. Also given to 5 boys.
Meaning & Origin
At 3 letters and two syllables, Aba is short enough to fit easily on forms, monograms, and classroom labels — no abbreviation needed. It has been used as a girl's name in the U.S. since 1978, with 27 total recorded births.
Aba is not in the current top 1,000, which means your child is unlikely to share the name with a classmate — a plus for parents who value distinctiveness.
Aba is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Aba is a boy's and girl's baby name of African origin, specifically from the Akan people of Ghana, where it is given to a girl born on Thursday — though in some traditions it is also used for boys. Its short, open sound makes it feel both ancient and effortlessly modern.
EtymologyShow more
The ending of a name often carries more etymological information than the beginning. Aba's final sounds are open, warm — a soft ending that crosses many language boundaries. In English-language naming, many feminine names end on open vowels or soft consonants, creating a melodic, approachable quality. Aba follows that feminine pattern.
Explore the ending-based name pages on this site to find names that share Aba's suffix pattern — names with similar endings often share a style and era, even when they come from different linguistic backgrounds.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Aba has 5+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1978.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 5 | — |
| 2000s | 5 | — |
| 1990s | 5 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 12 | — |
The Story of Aba
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1978, Aba is a Gen X staple. Girls named Aba are most likely born between 1978 and 1988.
How rare is Aba?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Aba is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1978, peaked in the 1970s with 12 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(5 years, 1978–2017)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 5 | #15917 |
| 2001 | 5 | #15363 |
| 1998 | 5 | #14129 |
| 1979 | 6 | #9012 |
| 1978 | 6 | #8561 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Aba as a Boy's Name
Though more common for girls, Aba has a notable history as a boy's name too, with 5 births since 2006.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aba a boy's or girl's name?
When was Aba most popular?
How popular is the name Aba?
Can Aba be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1978–2017