Meaning, origin, history
Abigail is a female given name of Hebrew origin. It comes from the Hebrew words 'av' meaning "father" and 'gay' meaning "joy". Therefore, Abigail means "my father is joyful" or "she brings joy to her father".
The name Abigail first appeared in the Bible in the Book of Samuel. It was the name of one of King David's wives, who was known for her intelligence, courage, and kindness. She played a crucial role in preventing her husband from being murdered by his son Absalom.
Abigail has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages but it became particularly popular during the 19th century. Today, Abigail is widely recognized and used around the world, often ranking among the top 500 names for girls in various countries.
In literature, some notable characters named Abigail include Abigail Williams from Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible" and Abigail Breslin, a famous actress known for her role in the movie "Little Miss Sunshine". This further contributes to the name's popularity and recognition.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Abigail since 1880
Total births
402,659
Total since 1880
Peak year
2003
15,932 births
in 2023
5,661
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-23%
↘
vs previous 5 years