The surname of ABBE was a baptismal name 'the son of Abraham' from the nickname Abb or Abie. This is a familiar Norfolk surname. Early records of the name mention William filius Abi who was recorded in County Buckinghamshire, 1273. Willelmus Abson of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. John Abbys was documented in County Norfolk in the year 1480. Edward Abbs 'imbarqued in the George' for Virginia, in the New Land in the year 1635. Baptised. William, son of William Abbison at St. James's, Clerkenwell, London in 1641. William Abson and Mary Downes were married at St. George's Chapel, Mayfair, London in 1750. Following the Crusades in Europe in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries, a need was felt for a family name to replace the one given at birth, or in addition to it. This was recognized by those of noble birth, as it added prestige and practical advantage to their status. When the coast of England was invaded by William The Conqueror in the year 1066, the Normans brought with them a store of French personal names, which soon, more or less, entirely replaced the traditional more varied Old English personal names, at least among the upper and middle classes. A century of so later, given names of the principal saints of the Christian church began to be used. It is from these two types of given name that the majority of the English patronymic surnames are derived and used to this day. This name was borne by the son of Adam who was murdered by his brother Cain, and was a popular given name in the Middle Ages, when there was a cult of suffering innocence which Abel represented The name is also spelt as Ablott and Abletson.

The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884. Registered at The Hall, Barrow Point Hill, Pinner, County Middlesex.