Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

National Abel Day – August 17, 2024

National Abel Day, on August 17, celebrates everyone named Abel. Abel is a biblical first name that probably comes from the Hebrew ‘Hebel,’ itself derived from ‘hevel’ meaning ‘breath.’ It could also be from the Assyrian word for ‘son.’ In the biblical account, Abel is the second son of Adam and Eve and was killed out of spite by his brother Cain. In England, the name ‘Abel’ came into use during the Middle Ages, and it was common during the 17th-century Puritan era. Abel has variations in other languages such as ‘Aapeli’ in Finnish, ‘Ábel’ in Hungarian and ‘Abele’ in Italian.

History of National Abel Day

Abel is a boy’s given name. Numerous prominent people around the world bear this name. One of the most popular ones is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, whose stage name is The Weeknd. He is a Canadian musician with a successful career, winning 20 Billboard Music Awards, 17 Juno Awards, six American Music Awards, four Grammy Awards, and two M.T.V. Video Music Awards. Tesfaye also received nominations for a Latin Grammy Award, an Academy Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award. In February 2021, Toronto Mayor John Tory announced that the city will observe February 7 as ‘The Weeknd Day’ to commemorate Tesfaye’s solo Super Bowl halftime performance.

Tesfaye is also an actor and has appeared in the film “Uncut Gems” and the skit “On The Couch.” He voiced two characters in an episode of “The Simpsons” as well.

Another notable personality is Abel Gance, a French film director, producer, writer, and actor. Gance was a pioneer in the theory and practice of montage. His three major silent films — “J’accuse” (1919), “La Roue” (1923), and “Napoléon” (1927) — were big hits and are still acclaimed today.

During World War I, Gance was rejected by the army on medical grounds. In 1915, he shifted to writing and directing for a new film company called “Le Film d’art.” His comic fantasy “La Folie du docteur Tube” soon caused controversy because he and his cameraman Léonce-Henri Burel created some disturbing visual effects with distorting mirrors. The producers were taken aback and refused to show the film.

Critics agree that Gance’s innovations in the techniques of the cinema were brilliant. He used Polyvision to create his multiscreen ventures and explored the use of superimposition of images, extreme close-ups, and fast rhythmic editing. Gance also made the camera mobile in bizarre ways through hand-held techniques, mounting it on wires or a pendulum, or even strap it to a horse.

National Abel Day timeline

November 1649
Dark Secrets

Dutch seafarer Abel Tasman is charged and found guilty of having hanged one of his men without trial in the previous year.

March 23, 1996
Hello World

Ethiopian professional footballer Abel Yalew Tilahun is born.

2008
A Win for Abel

Kenyan long-distance runner Abel Kirui wins the 25th Vienna City Marathon.

2009
An Anonymous Start

Tesfaye begins his music career by anonymously releasing music on YouTube.

National Abel Day FAQs

What gang is Abel Briones Ruiz a part of?

Ruiz is a member of the Gulf Cartel, a criminal group based in Tamaulipas, Mexico.

How many albums does Abel Tesfaye have?

Tesfaye has five studio albums.

How long did Abel Valdemarsen rule as King of Denmark?

Abel Valdemarsen reigned as Denmark’s monarch for a year and a half.

National Abel Day Activities

  1. Hug an Abel

    Give the Abels in your life a heartfelt hug. If it happens to be their birthday, treat them to something special.

  2. Name your baby

    Are you looking for a good name for your baby boy who's on the way? Abel would be a great one to give your little one.

  3. Dive into history

    Learn more about the name ‘Abel.’ Going back in time will reveal some interesting people.

5 Interesting Facts About The Name Abel

  1. The Weeknd is a successful musician

    Tesfaye is among the world's best-selling music artists with over 75 million records sold.

  2. Tasman discovers new islands

    Tasman was the first known European explorer to reach New Zealand and the islands of Fiji and Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania).

  3. Abel is a fugitive from U.S. justice

    Mexican entrepreneur Abel Briones Ruiz faces life imprisonment and up to US$10 million in fines for alleged drug trafficking activities.

  4. Abel can participate in a race

    Namesake Abel Tasman, a retired American thoroughbred racehorse, finished her career at age four with eight wins from 16 starts and winnings of $2,793,385.

  5. Abel is a top-dollar horse

    After retirement, racehorse Tasman was sold to the breeding company “Coolmore Stud” for $5 million.

Why We Love National Abel Day

  1. We celebrate achievers

    Name any profession and surely, there is one person named Abel. This day recognizes them and their achievements.

  2. We learn history

    Throughout history, Abels have done incredible things. On this day we learn how they have shaped historical events.

  3. It's party time

    National Abel Day is a time to celebrate. Invite a friend over and make merry in honor of all Abels.

National Abel Day dates

YearDateDay
2024August 17Saturday
2025August 17Sunday
2026August 17Monday
2027August 17Tuesday
2028August 17Thursday

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.