Abner \a-bner, ab-ner\ as a boy's name is pronounced AB-ner. It is of Hebrew origin, and the meaning of Abner is "father of light". Biblical: King Saul of Israel's army chief, a valiant warrior and clever strategist. The name came into prominence in the late 16th century, but has become uncommon in this century, and is now mostly associated with Al Capp's comic strip "Li'l Abner". The name has a masculine, uncompromising air. Inventer of baseball Abner Doubleday.

Abner has 13 variant forms: Ab, Abbey, Abbie, Abby, Abe, Abna, Abnar, Abnor, Avner, Eb, Ebbie, Ebby and Ebner.