What does Abel mean?
From the Hebrew Hevel, usually read “breath” or “vapour.” Abel is the son of Adam in Genesis.
What does Jude mean?
A form of Judah, from the Hebrew, “praised.” Saint Jude is patron of hopeless causes.
Abel vs Jude
Which is more popular?
Jude is more popular than Abel today: about 2,384 US babies were given the name Jude in 2025, compared with 1,525 named Abel.
| Abel | Jude | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Breath | Praised |
| Origin | Hebrew | Hebrew |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | AY-bul | JOOD |
| Syllables | 2 | 1 |
| First appeared | 1880 | 1912 |
| Peak year | 2015 (3,245) | 2015 (2,668) |
| In 2025 | 1,525 | 2,384 |
| Trend | Rising | Steady |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Abel
Jude
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Abel | Jude |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 10,674 | 14,212 |
| 2010s | 23,554 | 25,132 |
| 2000s | 8,364 | 9,351 |
| 1990s | 6,484 | 1,112 |
| 1980s | 4,730 | 868 |
| 1970s | 3,528 | 1,207 |
| 1960s | 2,665 | 945 |
| 1950s | 2,088 | 597 |
| 1940s | 1,225 | 293 |
| 1930s | 939 | 197 |
| 1920s | 881 | 41 |
| 1910s | 559 | 27 |
| 1900s | 121 | 0 |
| 1890s | 118 | 0 |
| 1880s | 107 | 0 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Abel or Jude more popular?
Jude is more popular than Abel today: about 2,384 US babies were given the name Jude in 2025, compared with 1,525 named Abel.
What is the difference between Abel and Jude?
Abel means Breath (Hebrew origin), while Jude means Praised (Hebrew origin).
Which name is older, Abel or Jude?
In US records, Abel first appears in 1880 and Jude in 1912, so Abel has the longer recorded history.