What does Malachi mean?
From the Hebrew Malʾakhi, “my messenger.” Malachi is the last of the Hebrew prophets.
What does Abel mean?
From the Hebrew Hevel, usually read “breath” or “vapour.” Abel is the son of Adam in Genesis.
Malachi vs Abel
Which is more popular?
Malachi is more popular than Abel today: about 2,692 US babies were given the name Malachi in 2025, compared with 1,525 named Abel.
| Malachi | Abel | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | My messenger | Breath |
| Origin | Hebrew | Hebrew |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | MAL-uh-ky | AY-bul |
| Syllables | 3 | 2 |
| First appeared | 1880 | 1880 |
| Peak year | 2006 (2,776) | 2015 (3,245) |
| In 2025 | 2,692 | 1,525 |
| Trend | Steady | Rising |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Malachi
Abel
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Malachi | Abel |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 14,631 | 10,674 |
| 2010s | 24,588 | 23,554 |
| 2000s | 20,780 | 8,364 |
| 1990s | 3,525 | 6,484 |
| 1980s | 746 | 4,730 |
| 1970s | 390 | 3,528 |
| 1960s | 108 | 2,665 |
| 1950s | 155 | 2,088 |
| 1940s | 183 | 1,225 |
| 1930s | 172 | 939 |
| 1920s | 185 | 881 |
| 1910s | 156 | 559 |
| 1900s | 51 | 121 |
| 1890s | 30 | 118 |
| 1880s | 58 | 107 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Malachi or Abel more popular?
Malachi is more popular than Abel today: about 2,692 US babies were given the name Malachi in 2025, compared with 1,525 named Abel.
What is the difference between Malachi and Abel?
Malachi means My messenger (Hebrew origin), while Abel means Breath (Hebrew origin).
Which name is older, Malachi or Abel?
In US records, Malachi first appears in 1880 and Abel in 1880, so Malachi has the longer recorded history.