Absalom Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: AB-sah-lom /ˈæb.sə.lɒm/
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Father of peace
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Absalom has its roots in Hebrew, derived from the name אֲבִשָׁלוֹם (Avshalom), which translates to "father of peace". This etymology reflects the components of the name: 'ab' meaning "father" and 'shalom' meaning "peace".
The name entered the English language through the Latin form Absalom, which was used in the Vulgate, the Latin translation of the Bible completed in the late 4th century. The name was further popularized in medieval England through biblical texts and translations, particularly during the period of the King James Bible in the early 17th century, which solidified its presence in English literature and culture.
Historically, Absalom is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Second Book of Samuel, where he is depicted as the son of King David. His narrative, which includes themes of rebellion and tragic downfall, has been a subject of interest in various literary and artistic works throughout history.
The story of Absalom, who led a revolt against his father, has been interpreted in numerous ways, influencing both religious and secular discussions about loyalty, familial relationships, and the consequences of ambition. This biblical account has been referenced in various forms of literature and art, including John Milton's "Paradise Lost" and the works of other poets and playwrights.
Culturally, the name Absalom has resonated through its associations with themes of conflict and reconciliation, often symbolizing the complexities of familial bonds. The name has also been used in various historical contexts, including among notable figures in literature and politics.
The diminutive form 'Ab' is sometimes used, reflecting a more informal or affectionate version of the name. Overall, Absalom's enduring legacy in religious texts and its cultural implications have contributed to its historical significance.
Fictional characters named Absalom
The following list of fictional characters named Absalom is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
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Absalom is a fictional character from the biblical narrative in the Old Testament. He is the son of King David, known for his rebellion against his father and his tragic death.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Absalom, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Absalom. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Absalom was first seen in the United States in 1971.
Absalom has ranked as high as #1350 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in .
In the past 5 years the name Absalom has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Absalom is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Absalom was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Absalom
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
No state data available for this year.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Absalom.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2004 | 5 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2000 | 6 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1997 | 5 |
| 1995 | 6 |
| 1993 | 8 |
| 1992 | 8 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1990 | 10 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1988 | 8 |
| 1981 | 6 |
| 1979 | 5 |
| 1978 | 7 |
| 1974 | 7 |
| 1971 | 6 |