Abednego is a unique and distinctive given name of Hebrew origin. Its meaning is derived from two Hebrew words: "ab" which means "father," and "denek" which translates to "cloud." Thus, Abednego can be interpreted as "Father's cloud."
The name Abednego appears in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Daniel (Daniel 1:6-7 and Daniel 3:8-30). In this narrative, Abednego is one of the three young men – along with Shadrach and Meshach – who are taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon. These three men remain faithful to their Jewish faith and refuse to worship idols, even when threatened with death in a fiery furnace. Through divine intervention, they are miraculously saved from the flames, further cementing Abednego's place in biblical history.
Abednego has been sparsely used as a given name throughout history but gained some popularity during the Puritan era in England due to its biblical significance. However, it remains relatively uncommon today, making it a unique choice for parents seeking an unusual yet meaningful name for their child.
In summary, Abednego is a Hebrew name meaning "Father's cloud," with historical roots tied to the Bible and the story of its namesake, one of three young men who refused to compromise their faith in ancient Babylon. Its rarity today makes it an intriguing choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet significant name.
The name Abednego has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 97 babies being born with this unique moniker since 2001.
In terms of annual birth numbers, there were two notable peaks: one between 2018 and 2021, with 9 births each year, and another smaller peak in 2008 and 2009 with 7 births each year. The years 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, and 2014 to 2023 also saw babies being named Abednego, but in lower numbers ranging from 5 to 8 births per year.
This data illustrates the fluctuating popularity of the name Abednego over time, with some years showing a higher preference for this distinctive name compared to others. Despite its varying popularity, it's clear that there is a consistent, if niche, appeal for the name Abednego among American parents over the past two decades.