The Meaning and Origin of the Surname Abela

The surname Abela likely derives from the biblical name Abel, which in Hebrew (Hevel) means “breath” or “vapor,” symbolising something fleeting or precious.

The Abela coat of arms features a blue background representing loyalty and truth, a gold chevron symbolising protection and faithful service, and three gold spurs denoting honour and readiness. Together, these elements reflect a family of noble character and steadfast dedication.

In Italy, the Abela surname may have arisen independently or through migration, particularly in regions close to Malta and southern Italy.

Ranked 3112 in popularity, Abela may also have Spanish-Catalan origins, possibly deriving from the Catalan word abella, meaning “bee.” This could have been used as a nickname for a small, active person or as an occupational name for a beekeeper.

The earliest known written record of the surname Abela is from the year 1675 in Gerona, Spain. Over time, the surname changed and developed, especially as governments began requiring people to use fixed family names for things like taxes and official records.

The coat of arms used by the Abela family of Malta is identical to that of the Abela family from Siracusa, Sicily, with the exception of the stars (mullets) the Sicilian version features six-pointed stars aligned at the top of the shield, whereas the Maltese bears three gold spurs.

The notable Sicilian Abela line carries a similar shield, differing only in the shape and placement of the stars.

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