Abelard \a-bela-rd, ab(e)-lard\ as a boy's name is of Old German origin, and the meaning of Abelard is "noble strength". From Adalhard. The name may also ultimately derive from the Hebrew name Abel, and the Spanish form Abelardo may derive from the Spanish word "abeja", meaning "bee". Made famous by the 12th-century French philosopher Pierre Abelard, who fell in love with and seduced his student Heloise. Her uncle and guardian had him emasculated, even though he married Heloise. She became a nun, he became a monk.

Abelard has 6 variant forms: Ab, Abbey, Abby, Abe, Abel and Abelardo.