From the Spanish word abre meaning gorge, pass, breach or opening and it was first used by the Spaniards to denote the region above the Banaoang Gap where Abra River exits into the China Sea. Thus the Rio Grande de Abra. Later it was used to name the newly created province drained by its great basin.

PRANCING STALLION– It means that Abra was once upon a time famous for its horses – noted for their strength, speed and endurance

PADDIED FIELDS– Signify that the main occupation and means of livelihood of the people of Abra is farming.