Abigail

What does the baby name Abigail mean? Learn about what Abigail means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Abigail - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Abigail
A-B-I-G-A-I-L, is a 7-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Abigail
AB-i-gayl
AB ih gail
Meaning of Abigail
My father rejoices, joy of the father, my father's delight, my father's joy, father of exaltation, father's joy.
Origin of Abigail
'Abigail' originates from the Hebrew language and can be traced back to ancient biblical times. In Hebrew, the name is spelled 'אֲבִיגַיִל' and is pronounced as 'ah-vee-gah-yil'. The earliest known use of the name can be found in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Samuel. 'Abigail' was the name of a wise and beautiful woman who was married to Nabal, a wealthy man. She later became one of the wives of King David, known for her intelligence and diplomacy.
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Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Abigail
Abaigeal
Abbagail
Abbie
Abby
Abegail
Abygail
Gael
Gail
Popularity of Abigail
Over time, the name 'Abigail' has experienced varying levels of popularity. In the United States, the name gained significant popularity in the 18th century and reached its peak in the late 19th century. It then experienced a decline in the early 20th century but made a resurgence in the 1980s. Currently, 'Abigail' consistently ranks among the top 20 most popular names for girls in the United States.
Abigail currently has 2985 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked girl's names. The name Maria is slightly more popular than Abigail.

Etymology of Abigail

The etymology of the name 'Abigail' is rooted in Hebrew. The first part of the name, 'אֲבִי', translates to 'father' or 'my father', while the second part, 'גַּיִל', means 'rejoice' or 'joy'. Therefore, the name 'Abigail' can be interpreted as 'my father is joyful' or 'father 's joy. '

Cultural Significance of Abigail

'Abigail' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In the Bible, 'Abigail' is revered for her wisdom, courage, and resourcefulness. She is often seen as a role model for women, showcasing strength and intelligence. In Jewish culture, 'Abigail' is considered a virtuous and honorable name, embodying qualities of grace and kindness.