Abigail
Abigail is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning “Father's joy”, pronounced AB-ih-gayl. It ranked #41 in the United States in 2025, given to 4,941 babies, and peaked at #4 in 2005. Common nicknames: Abby, Gail, Abbie.
How popular is Abigail in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Abigail mean, and where does it come from?
Abigail comes from the Hebrew "Avigayil," composed of "avi" (father) and "gil" (joy). In the Old Testament, Abigail was described as a woman of "good understanding and beautiful form" — the intelligent and tactful wife of Nabal who later married King David. The name was popular among the Puritans in the 17th century, then fell out of fashion before making a strong comeback in the late 20th century. It has held a steady position in the top 20 American girl names for over two decades.
How is Abigail used around the world?
Abigail is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 16+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Abigail?
Famous People Named Abigail
- Abigail Adams — second First Lady of the United States
- Abigail Breslin — American actress
- Abigail — biblical figure, wife of King David
Similar Names to Abigail
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Sibling Name Ideas for Abigail
Looking for names that pair well with Abigail? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Abigail mean?
Abigail is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "Father's joy." Abigail comes from the Hebrew "Avigayil," composed of "avi" (father) and "gil" (joy). In the Old Testament, Abigail was described as a woman of "good understanding and beautiful form" — the intelligent and tactful wife of Nabal who later married King David.
How do you pronounce Abigail?
Abigail is pronounced AB-ih-gayl. Common variations include Abigayle, Abigael, Avigail.
Is Abigail a girl name?
Yes, Abigail is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Abby, Gail, Abbie, Abs.