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 on 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.
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 at number four. In 2020 it was ranked number 13. There were several famous Abigails in the 1970s that may have contributed to the growing popularity of the name at that time. With its sensible overtone and its endearing and accessible nicknames, it’s no wonder that the name Abigail has been favored for so many decades.
Name Variations
The following are variations of the name Abigail:
Abigael (Danish)Abigaeli (Swahili)Abigaille (Italian)Abigél (Hungarian)Apikalia, ʻApikaʻila (Hawaiian)
Similar Names
Other Biblical girl names:
ClaudiaDamarisDeborahHannahLydiaMiriamPriscillaRebeccaSarah
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:
AbbeyAbbiAbbieAbbyAbsGailGayeGayle
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
Famous People Named Abigail
Notable Abigails have ranged in personalities, embodying the steadfastness of the biblical Abigail to the liveliness of one of “Sesame Street’s” most popular characters.
Famous Abigails:
Abigail Adams, The first Vice Presidential wife of the United States and the second First LadyAbigail Breslin, Singer and actress who rose to fame as the girl in “Little Miss Sunshine” for which she was an Academy Award nomineeAbigail Fillmore, The 13th First Lady of the United States, wife of President Millard FillmoreAbigail Heyman, American photographer and feminist of the 1970sAbigail Van Buren, Pen name of American advice columnist who began her column “Dear Abby” in 1956
Fictional Abigails:
Abigail Salmon, The mother in the novel “The Lovely Bones,” which was later made into a movieAbigail Sciuto, The dependable and quirky forensic scientist on the television show “NCIS” who is known for her Gothic style and high-energy personalityAbby Cadabby, A purple-haired Muppet fairy character on the children’s show “Sesame Street” who uses magic with her wand to help solve problemsAbby Whelan, Chief of Staff at The White House on the television series “Scandal” who is known to be outspoken and always willing to stand her ground
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