Abigail

The female first name Abigail is derived from the Bible and originally comes from the Ancient Hebrew name 'Avigayil (אֲבִיגָיִל)'. Figuratively, the name means 'my father is joy', 'my father is full of joy', 'my father rejoices', and simply 'the joy of the father'.

What does the name Abigail mean?

The female first name Abigail is derived from the Bible and originally comes from the Ancient Hebrew name 'Avigayil (אֲבִיגָיִל)'. Figuratively, the name means 'my father is joy', 'my father is full of joy', 'my father rejoices', and simply 'the joy of the father'. Its origin lies in Ancient Hebrew, composed of the word 'āv (אָב)' for 'father', the suffix 'i (י)' for 'my', and the element 'gil' or 'gjl (גִּיל)' for 'to rejoice', 'to exult', 'to be glad'. In the Old Testament, both one of David's wives and one of his daughters bore this name. In German naming, the name has been in use since the 16th century. Through the Puritans, the name spread particularly in English-speaking countries since the 17th century. Abigaíl is the Spanish spelling and Abigaïl is the French spelling. Other variants include Abigajil, Abbigail, Abigel, Abigal, Abigale, Abbeygail, Abeeygail, Abagail, Abbygayle, Abigayl, Abygale, Apikalia, Abegail, Abigaile, Abygail, Abbygale, Abigael, and Abigaijl. Short forms include Gail, Gayle, Gale, Gayla, Abby, Abbie, Abbi, and Abbey.

Where does the name Abigail come from?

Etymology Abigail is a female first name of Ancient Hebrew origin meaning 'the joy of the father'. Ancient Hebrew

How do you pronounce Abigail?

Sound & pronunciation of Abigail: The name Abigail is structured with three syllables and has a melodic quality. In German pronunciation, it is usually spoken as 'A-bi-geil' [ˈaːbiɡaɪ̯l] or in English [ˈæbɪɡeɪ̯l], starting with an open A sound that conveys presence. The middle syllable brings liveliness to the sound with the short I. The diphthong in the final syllable provides a dynamic conclusion. Abigail thus appears feminine and expressive - classic, modern, and international.

When is the name day of Abigail?

The name day of Abigail is July 8 and October 5.

Popularity

Abigail is a very popular first name in Germany. Currently, it ranks 642nd on the list of the most common female baby names. Its best ranking was achieved in 2013 at 388th place. In the last ten years, Abigail has been given as a first name about 900 times, placing it 551st in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 544th.

Nicknames & pet names

Abb / Abbey / Abbi / Abbie / Abbil / Abbs / Abby / Abbylein / Abeey / Abi / Abs / Aby / Bigal

Similar first names

Famous people

• Abigail Breslin (actress)
• Abigail Carmichael (played by Angie Harmon in Law & Order)
• Abigail Chase (played by Diane Kruger in 'National Treasure')
• Abigail Cheramie Duhon (French musician)
• Abigail Child (American writer)
• Abigail Clayton (American actress)
• Abigail Conceicao de Souza (Brazilian footballer)
• Abigail Cowen (actress)
• Abigail Fallis (British sculptor)
• Abigail Folger (1943–1969), heiress of an American coffee company and murder victim of the Manson Family)
• Abigail Guthrie (tennis player from New Zealand)
• Abigail Johnston (American diver)
• Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawananakoa (equestrian)
• Abigail Lane (English artist)
• Abigail Lockhart (character from Emergency Room)
• Abigail Mavity (American actress)
• Abigail May Alcott Nieriker (American artist)
• Abigail McCary (American model)
• Abigail McKern (British actress)
• Abigail Pogrebin (American writer)