Abigail
Abigail first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 2003, when 15,932 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 4,941.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Abigail popular?
Declining Abigail is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2003 peak.
| 2020s | 37,379 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 118,734 | |
| 2000s | 150,926 | |
| 1990s | 72,779 | |
| 1980s | 20,658 | |
| 1970s | 6,704 | |
| 1960s | 2,411 | |
| 1950s | 1,671 | |
| 1940s | 647 | |
| 1930s | 365 | |
| 1920s | 322 | |
| 1910s | 270 | |
| 1900s | 136 | |
| 1890s | 128 | |
| 1880s | 133 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Abigail mean?
From Hebrew Avigail: av 'father' + gil 'joy, rejoicing,' usually 'my father is joy' or 'my father's joy.' Borne by one of David's wives, remembered for her wisdom and level head (1 Samuel 25). Etymology well established.
Nicknames for Abigail
- Abby
- Gail
- Abbie
Variants & spellings
- Abigael
- Abigayle
Names like Abigail
hebrew names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Abigail
Popular hebrew names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Abigail
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Abigail mean?
Abigail means my father is joy. From Hebrew Avigail: av 'father' + gil 'joy, rejoicing,' usually 'my father is joy' or 'my father's joy.' Borne by one of David's wives, remembered for her wisdom and level head (1 Samuel 25). Etymology well established.
What is the origin of the name Abigail?
Abigail is of hebrew origin.
How do you pronounce Abigail?
Abigail is pronounced “AB-ih-gayl.”
Is Abigail a boy or a girl name?
Abigail is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Abigail a popular name right now?
Abigail is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2003 peak.
How popular is the name Abigail?
In 2025, Abigail ranked #41 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Abigail most popular?
Abigail was most popular in 2003, when about 15,932 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Abigail?
Common nicknames for Abigail include Abby, Gail, Abbie.
What names are similar to Abigail?
Names similar to Abigail include Hannah, Sarah, Naomi, Leah.
What names go well with Abigail?
hebrew names that pair well with Abigail include James, Michael, John, David, Mary.