The name Abel has been used in many European [[languages]] as both surname and first name. In [[English]], however, even Cain features in 17th century, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puritan Puritan]-influenced [[families]], who had a taste for biblical names, sometimes despite the [[reputation]] of the original [[character]]. Contrary to popular [[belief]], the surname McCain does not mean "Son of Cain" in Gaelic, rather it is a contraction (also McCann) of Mac Cathan. Gaelic cathan means "[[warrior]]", from cath "battle".[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cain_and_Abel] | The name Abel has been used in many European [[languages]] as both surname and first name. In [[English]], however, even Cain features in 17th century, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puritan Puritan]-influenced [[families]], who had a taste for biblical names, sometimes despite the [[reputation]] of the original [[character]]. Contrary to popular [[belief]], the surname McCain does not mean "Son of Cain" in Gaelic, rather it is a contraction (also McCann) of Mac Cathan. Gaelic cathan means "[[warrior]]", from cath "battle".[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cain_and_Abel] |