"father's joy"
Origin: Hebrew Avigayil from avi and gil
Language: Hebrew
Abigail
Pronunciation: [ AB-uhg-ayl ]
Does Abigail flow with your last name?
A biblical name of wisdom, carried by a Founding Mother
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English
American
Irish
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Meaning & Origin
"my father is joyful"
Origin: Hebrew Avi meaning father and Gil meaning joy
Language: Hebrew
"my father's joy, father rejoices"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
"source of joy"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
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The Story of Abigail
Abigail comes from the Hebrew Avigayil, composed of 'avi' (my father) and 'gil' (rejoice, joy) — meaning 'my father rejoices' or 'my father's joy.' In the Old Testament, Abigail is celebrated as one of the wisest women in the Bible — a beautiful and intelligent woman who prevented bloodshed by bringing David's army provisions and speaking eloquently on her household's behalf, even against her foolish husband's wishes.
Abigail entered the US top 10 in the 1990s and remained there for two decades, peaking at #7 in 2005. Its popularity was driven by the name's warm, classic feel and the charming nickname Abby. It has maintained consistent appeal without feeling trendy or dated.
Abigail Adams, wife of President John Adams and mother of President John Quincy Adams, is one of the most influential women in American history. Her famous plea to her husband to 'remember the ladies' in 1776 makes her an early feminist icon. The name carries a legacy of intelligence and political courage.
Historical Record
Abigail first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 406,234 babies have been named Abigail in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Abigail is past its peak , currently ranked #32 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Abigail Adams wrote 'remember the ladies' to her husband John Adams in 1776, one of the earliest feminist statements in American history
- In 17th-century England, 'abigail' became a common word for a lady's maid
Abigail in Other Languages
French
Abigail
German
Abigail
Hebrew
Avigayil
Spanish
Abigail
Japanese
Abigeiru
Popularity Over Time
#32
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2005
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Abigail
A
Abigail Breslin
Actor
1996
American actress known for Little Miss Sunshine, for which she received an Academy Award nomination at age 10
A
Abigail Washburn
Musician
1977
American banjo player and singer-songwriter known for folk and bluegrass
A
Abigail Adams
Politician
1744
Wife of US President John Adams and mother of President John Quincy Adams; an early advocate for women's rights and one ...
Wife of US President John Adams and mother of President John Quincy Adams; an early advocate for women's rights and one of America's most celebrated First Ladies
A
Abigail Williams
Other
Historical figure who was a key accuser in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, and a character in Arthur Miller's The Crucib...
Historical figure who was a key accuser in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, and a character in Arthur Miller's The Crucible
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #32
- Total SSA Count
- 5,499
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew English American Irish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Abby
Abbie
Gail
Abi
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Abigail
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Abigail is also used as a boy name, ranked #9193.
View Abigail as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Abigail
What does the name Abigail mean?
"father's joy" (from Hebrew Avigayil from avi and gil). "my father is joyful" (from Hebrew Avi meaning father and Gil meaning joy). "my father's joy, father rejoices" (from Hebrew). "source of joy" (from Hebrew). Abigail comes from the Hebrew Avigayil, composed of 'avi' (my father) and 'gil' (rejoice, joy) — meaning 'my father rejoices' or 'my father's joy.' In the Old Testament, Abigail is celebrated as one of the wisest women in the Bible — a beautiful and intelligent woman who prevented bloodshed by bringing David's army provisions and speaking eloquently on her household's behalf, even against her foolish husband's wishes.
What is the origin of the name Abigail?
Abigail has Hebrew Avigayil from avi and gil, Hebrew Avi meaning father and Gil meaning joy, Hebrew, English, American, and Irish origins. In Hebrew Avigayil from avi and gil, it means "father's joy". In Hebrew Avi meaning father and Gil meaning joy, it means "my father is joyful". In Hebrew, it means "my father's joy, father rejoices". In Hebrew, it means "source of joy".
Is Abigail a boy or girl name?
Abigail is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #32. As a boy name, it is ranked #9193. Abigail is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Abigail?
Abigail is pronounced AB-uhg-ayl.
How popular is the name Abigail?
Abigail is currently ranked #32 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Abigail?
Common nicknames for Abigail include Abby, Abbie, Gail, and Abi.
What are good middle names for Abigail?
Popular middle name pairings include Abigail Grace, Abigail Rose, Abigail Jane, Abigail Mae, Abigail Elizabeth, and Abigail Kate.
What are good sibling names for Abigail?
Names that pair well with Abigail as siblings include Hannah, Samuel, Benjamin, Naomi, Caleb, and Rebecca.
How many syllables does Abigail have?
Abigail has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Abigail a common or rare name?
Abigail is a very popular name, ranked #32 among girl names in the United States.
What girl names are similar to Abigail?
About the Name Abigail
Abigail is a girl name with Hebrew, English, American, and Irish origins . The name means "father's joy" in Hebrew Avigayil from avi and gil .
Is Abigail a boy or girl name? Abigail is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #32 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #9,193. Abigail is more commonly used as a girl name.
Abigail is currently ranked #32 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Abigail has 4 syllables and is pronounced AB-uhg-ayl, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Abigail include Abby, Abbie, Gail, and Abi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Abigail include Abigael, Abigaelle . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis