Abigail Name Meaning
Abigail is frequently used as a girl name. Learn more about the meaning, origin, and popularity of the name Abigail.
Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah Scott
If you're looking for a baby name that is both wholesome and adaptable for a variety of tastes, Abigail might be the right choice.
Abigail means "cause of joy" or "father's joy" in Hebrew. In the Bible, Abigail is described as a beautiful and intelligent woman. When her foolish husband offended King David and was about to bring disaster to their household, Abigail took action to prevent bloodshed by approaching King David with sound judgment and diplomacy. She was praised for her intelligence and loyalty.
Origin: Abigail is a Hebrew name meaning "cause of joy."
Gender: Abigail is most commonly used as a girl name.
Pronunciation: ah-buh-geyl
Editor's Note
Although many baby names are separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It’s important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best.
How Popular Is the Name Abigail?
The name Abigail entered the Social Security List of top 1,000 names in 1901 at number 918. It fell off the list shortly after and didn't make its way back on until 1939. Starting in the 1970s, the name really began to trend. By 2005 it had peaked in popularity, ranking fourth. In 2023, it ranked at 31.
Several famous Abigails in the 1970s may have contributed to the name's growing popularity at that time. With its sensible overtone and endearing and accessible nicknames, it's no wonder that the name Abigail has been favored for so many decades.
Related: 50 Hebrew Baby Names
Name Variations
The following are variations of the name Abigail:
Abiga?lle (French name)
Abigaíl (Spanish name)
Abigaille (Italian name)
Abigél (Hungarian name)
Apikalia, ?Apika?ila (Hawaiian name)
Similar Names
Other Biblical girl names:
Claudia
Damaris
Deborah
Hannah
Lydia
Miriam
Priscilla
Rebecca
Sarah
Other girl names starting with A:
Addyson
Adelynn
Allison
Amanda
Amelia
Annabel
Aria
Avery
Common Nicknames
There are several nicknames that can be derived from the name Abigail:
Abbey
Abbi
Abbie
Abby
Abs
Gail
Gaye
Gayle
Suggested Sibling Names
Looking for a sibling name for Abigail? Here are some popular options:
Anthony
Benjamin
Eleanor
Eliza
Elizabeth
Jonathan
Margaret
Phillip
Samuel
Susannah
Theodore
Related: Need Baby Name Help? Ask Their Older Siblings-To-Be for Ideas
Famous People Named Abigail
Notable Abigails have ranged in personalities, embodying the steadfastness of the biblical Abigail to the liveliness of one of the most popular characters on Sesame Street.
Famous Abigails:
Famous real-life Abigails include:
Abigail Adams, the first Second Lady of the United States and the second First Lady
Abigail Breslin, singer and actor who rose to fame as the girl in Little Miss Sunshine, for which she was an Academy Award nominee
Abigail Fillmore, the 13th First Lady of the United States, wife of President Millard Fillmore
Abigail Heyman, American photographer and feminist of the 1970s
Abigail Van Buren, Pen name of an American advice columnist who began her column "Dear Abby" in 1956
Fictional Abigails:
Fictional Abigails include:
Abigail Salmon, the mother in the novel The Lovely Bones, which was later made into a movie
Abigail Sciuto, the dependable and quirky forensic scientist on the television show NCIS, known for her Gothic style and high-energy personality
Abby Cadabby, a purple-haired Muppet fairy character on the children's show Sesame Street, uses magic with her wand to help solve problems
Abby Whelan, Chief of Staff at The White House on the television series Scandal, known to be outspoken and always willing to stand her ground
More Baby Names
Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options:
For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Parents.
