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Abigail

Abigail is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'my father is joy' or 'father's rejoice.' The name appears in the Old Testament, notably associated with King David's wife, noted for her wisdom and beauty. Over time, Abigail has been embraced in various cultures, maintaining its biblical roots while modern usage underscores its timeless appeal.

IPA: /ˈæbɪɡeɪl/ · Simplified: AB-i-gayl

Female
Hebrew
Jewish
Middle East
elegant
classic
joyful
wise

70/100

Popularity

Falling

10-Year Trend

6

Countries

2015

Peak Year

Meaning of Abigail

Etymology, origin story, and cultural significance.

Abigail is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'my father is joy' or 'father's rejoice.' The name appears in the Old Testament, notably associated with King David's wife, noted for her wisdom and beauty. Over time, Abigail has been embraced in various cultures, maintaining its biblical roots while modern usage underscores its timeless appeal.

Does Abigail flow with your last name? — Run the surname compatibility check

How to pronounce Abigail

IPA notation and a simplified pronunciation guide.

IPA: /ˈæbɪɡeɪl/ · Simplified: AB-i-gayl

Nicknames for Abigail

Common diminutives and short forms used in everyday life.

Abby
Abbie
Abi
Gail

Abigail name popularity

Popularity score over the last 10 years and countries where this name is popular.

20152016201720182019202020212022202320240255075100

Popular in Countries

Top countries where this name is most common.

75

United States

70

Canada

68

Australia

65

United Kingdom

63

New Zealand

60

Ireland

International Forms

How this name appears across different languages and cultures.

Abigaïl

Abby

Abbie

Abi

Names like Abigail

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Collections featuring Abigail

Curated name lists where this name appears

Personality

Traits and perception commonly associated with this name.

Those named Abigail are often perceived as wise and approachable, reflecting the biblical origins of the name. They tend to exude a sense of calm assurance and often possess a strong sense of purpose and determination. With their joyful energy, they often bring positivity and insight to many situations.

Name Day

Traditional celebration date for this name.

Not traditionally celebrated

Famous people named Abigail

Well-known figures who share this name.

A

Abigail Adams

First Lady of the United States, 1744-1818

A

Abigail Breslin

American actress, born 1996

Frequently asked questions about Abigail

Quick answers on meaning, gender, popularity, and nicknames.

What does Abigail mean?
Here is the meaning behind Abigail: Abigail is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'my father is joy' or 'father's rejoice.' The name appears in the Old Testament, notably associated with King David's wife, noted for her wisdom and beauty. Over time, Abigail has been embraced in various cultures, maintaining its biblical roots while modern usage underscores its timeless appeal.
Is Abigail a boy or girl name?
Abigail is traditionally a girl's name, though naming customs vary between cultures and families.
How popular is Abigail?
Abigail scores 70/100 on Namelia's popularity index, with a peak around 2015.
What are good nicknames for Abigail?
Popular nicknames for Abigail: Abby, Abbie, Abi, Gail.
What names are similar to Abigail?
Names similar to Abigail: Adelaide, Isabel, Annabelle, Amelia — close in sound, origin, or style.

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