Ab
The first letter of each of the two syllables of antibody.
Every Ab since 1880 — 380 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Ab
Ab is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #12,017 in 2025 with 5 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 380 American babies have been named Ab. Its peak came in 2007, when 41 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2000s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Ab stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Ab year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | #12,017 |
| 2024 | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — |
| 2022 | — | — |
| 2021 | 6 | #10,807 |
| 2020 | 7 | #9,562 |
| 2019 | — | — |
| 2018 | — | — |
| 2017 | — | — |
| 2016 | — | — |
| 2015 | 6 | #10,657 |
| 2014 | — | — |
| 2013 | 7 | #9,658 |
| 2012 | — | — |
| 2011 | 5 | #12,294 |
| 2010 | 6 | #10,769 |
| 2009 | 10 | #7,693 |
| 2008 | 24 | #4,147 |
| 2007 | 41 | #2,868 |
| 2006 | 32 | #3,307 |
| 2005 | 30 | #3,319 |
| 2004 | 33 | #3,014 |
| 2003 | 25 | #3,529 |
| 2002 | 17 | #4,503 |
| 2001 | 15 | #4,890 |
| 2000 | 17 | #4,389 |
| 1995 | 6 | #7,795 |
| 1990 | — | — |
| 1985 | — | — |
| 1980 | — | — |
| 1975 | — | — |
| 1970 | — | — |
| 1965 | — | — |
| 1960 | — | — |
| 1955 | — | — |
| 1950 | — | — |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1935 | — | — |
| 1930 | — | — |
| 1925 | — | — |
| 1920 | — | — |
| 1915 | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | 6 | #836 |
| 1880 | 5 | #909 |
Famous people named Ab
- Abū Lahab Politician · 549–624
- Abū Ishāq Ibrāhīm al-Zarqālī Astronomer · 1029–1087
- Abū Sahl al-Qūhī Mathematician · 940–1000
- Abū Kāmil Shujāʿ ibn Aslam Mathematician · 850–930
- Abū Ja'far al-Khāzin Mathematician · 900–960
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ab mean?
The first letter of each of the two syllables of antibody.
How popular is the name Ab in 2025?
Ab ranked #12,017 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 5 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Ab?
380 babies have been named Ab in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Ab most popular?
Ab peaked in 2007, when 41 newborns received the name.
Is Ab a boy or girl name?
Ab is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Ab rising or falling?
Ab is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Ab?
Well-known people named Ab include Abū Lahab (politician), Abū Ishāq Ibrāhīm al-Zarqālī (astronomer), Abū Sahl al-Qūhī (mathematician).