Abel Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Abel come from? What does the surname Abel mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Abel and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Abel Origin: What does the last name Abel mean?
The surname Abel can be of German or English origin. In German, it is a patronymic name derived from the Old German personal name Abel, meaning "noble one," and is associated with Swabia in Germany. It does not seem to be linked to the biblical name Abel. In England, records show the surname Abel appearing in the early 16th century, with significant growth in Germany during the 17th century and later spreading to the United States in the 18th century. By the 20th century, the Abel surname had gained prominence in the United States, Germany, England, and other regions, showcasing a global presence over the centuries.
YourRoots data confirms the historical presence and global spread of the Abel surname, highlighting its significant presence in various countries worldwide. The surname Abel has a rich history and has evolved over time, with notable individuals bearing this surname in diverse fields such as arts, history, mathematics, science, medicine, politics, religion, sports, and other areas. The Abel surname continues to be prominent, reflecting a legacy of noble origins and diverse achievements across different cultures and regions.
Abel Last Name History: Where did the last name Abel come from?
Origin of Abel Surname: Where does the last name Abel originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Abel first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Abel spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Abel: What does the Abel surname history look like in the early days?
The Abel surname started growing notably in Germany in the 17th century and then gained significant presence in the United States during the 18th century. YourRoots data also shows Abel family records in various countries, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Abel surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Abel surname grew significantly in the United States. The Abel surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including Germany, England, and other regions.
Explore Abel last name heritage and Abel surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Abel Surame?
Greg Abel
Gregory Edward Abel (born June 1, 1962) is a Canadian businessman known for his role as the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. He also serves as the vice-chairman of non-insurance operations at Berkshire Hathaway. Abel's early career included working as a chartered accountant before joining CalEnergy, eventually becoming CEO of MidAmerican Energy. He has held various leadership positions in multiple organizations and is recognized for his business acumen. In a recent interview, Warren Buffett named Abel as his future successor as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, highlighting Abel's significant contributions to the company's growth and success.
Jake Abel
Jacob Allen Abel (born Nov 18, 1987) is an American actor known for his roles in popular young adult film adaptations like Percy Jackson and I Am Number Four. He also appeared in the CW series Supernatural and Netflix's Another Life. Abel has showcased his talent in various genres, from drama to science fiction, earning recognition for his work in the industry. Beyond acting, he's also a musician, releasing an album with his wife. With a diverse portfolio of projects, Abel continues to captivate audiences with his performances on screen.
Niels Henrik Abel
Niels Henrik Abel (August 5, 1802 – April 6, 1829) was a Norwegian mathematician known for proving the impossibility of solving the general quintic equation in radicals. Despite living in poverty and dying young at 26, Abel made significant contributions to the field of mathematics. His work on elliptic functions and Abelian functions left a lasting impact, with fellow mathematicians praising his brilliance. Abel's talent was recognized early on, and he received support to further his studies, becoming the most knowledgeable mathematician in Norway by the time he entered the Royal Frederick University. His legacy continues to influence the mathematical world, with his discoveries still studied today.
Alfred Abel
Alfred Peter Abel (12 Mar 1879 – 12 Dec 1937) was a German actor, director, and producer known for his work in over 140 silent and sound films. His most famous role was as Joh Fredersen in Fritz Lang's 1927 film Metropolis. Abel's career spanned both stage and film, with notable performances in Phantom (1922) and Mary (1931). He also ventured into directing, creating the production company Artifex Film. Despite facing challenges during the Nazi regime, Abel left a lasting impact on the film industry before his death at the age of 58.
Walter Abel
Walter Abel (June 6, 1898 – March 26, 1987) was an American actor known for his work on stage, film, and radio over nearly seven decades. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Abel's career included roles in Broadway plays like "As You Like It" and films such as "The Three Musketeers" and "Holiday Inn" alongside Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. He was also a vice president of the Screen Actors' Guild. Abel's diverse talents extended to concert narration and reading with the Philadelphia Orchestra. He passed away in 1987, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and contributions to the entertainment industry.
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