Abba
Primarily a boy's name of Hebrew origin with 80 recorded births. Also given to 11 girls.
Meaning & Origin
Father, an honorific title given to God in the New Testament, especially used in prayers. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
Abba is a boy's and girl's baby name of Hebrew and Aramaic origin meaning 'father' — the intimate, familiar form of addressing a parent, used by Jesus in his prayers according to the New Testament ('Abba, Father'). The word carries the warmth of a child calling to a beloved parent.
Beyond its religious significance, Abba gained worldwide cultural recognition through the Swedish pop group whose four-decade legacy of joyful music has made the name synonymous with happiness and beloved melodies across generations.
EtymologyShow more
Abba appeared in SSA records in 1999, placing it in the modern era of American naming — a period when parents increasingly began breaking from generational naming patterns, experimenting with spelling, and treating naming as a form of creative self-expression. Its Hebrew roots may have been the starting point, adapted or respelled to fit contemporary American tastes.
With only 80 recorded births, Abba has not been widely studied in naming literature — its story belongs primarily to the families who chose it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Abba has 12+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1999.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 28 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 40 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 6 | — |
| 1990s | 6 | — |
The Story of Abba
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2024, Abba is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Abba are most likely born between 2014 and 2024.
How rare is Abba?
Only about 1 in every 327,273 babies born in 2024 was named Abba — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1999, peaked in the 2010s with 40 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Abba by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(12 years, 1999–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 11 | #7228 |
| 2023 | 5 | #12240 |
| 2022 | 5 | #12345 |
| 2021 | 7 | #9715 |
| 2019 | 6 | #10809 |
| 2018 | 6 | #10770 |
| 2016 | 6 | #10751 |
| 2015 | 5 | #12096 |
| 2014 | 9 | #8134 |
| 2013 | 8 | #8794 |
| 2001 | 6 | #9245 |
| 1999 | 6 | #8704 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Abba as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Abba has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 11 births since 1924.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abba a boy's or girl's name?
When was Abba most popular?
How popular is the name Abba?
Can Abba be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1999–2024