Names

Means “my father is a light” in Hebrew, from אָב (‘av) meaning “father” and נֵר (ner) meaning “lamp, light”. In the Old Testament, Abner was a cousin of Saul and the commander of his army. After he killed Asahel he was himself slain by Asahel’s brother Joab. It has been used as an English Christian given name since the Protestant Reformation. It was popular with the Puritans, who brought it to America in the 17th century.

Means “full-figured” in Arabic. The 7th-century Arabic poet Antara dedicated much of his poetry to a woman named Abla.

Means “my father is the night dew” in Hebrew. She is the fifth wife of David in the Old Testament.

Means “my father is a gift” in Hebrew. In the Old Testament he is one of King David’s heroes.

Means “my father strays” in Hebrew. In the Old Testament Abishag is a young woman who tends King David in his old age.

Biblical Latin form of Abishai.

Means “my father is exalted” in Hebrew. In the Old Testament, Abiram is swallowed by an earthquake after rebelling against the leadership of Moses.

Means “born into royalty” in Yoruba.

Means “born on a festival” in Yoruba.

Means “my father is king” in Hebrew. This is the name of several characters in the Old Testament including a king of Gerar who takes Abraham’s wife Sarah, but is forced by God to give her back.