What does Abigail mean and where does it come from?
The name Abigail has its origins in the Hebrew Bible, where she was the wife of King David and noted for her beauty and intelligence. The name has been popular in English-speaking countries since the Protestant Reformation, when biblical names became fashionable. In modern times, Abigail ranks highl
Cultural significance
Abigail has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of אֲבִיגָיִל.
Peak popularity
Reached #4 in 2005 — currently #31 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Abigail?
Abigail works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Abigail Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Abigail Rose
Floral · soft ending
Abigail Mae
Sweet · timeless
Abigail Claire
French influence · crisp
Abigail Jane
Literary · strong
Abigail Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Abigail right now?
Declining — down 7 spots — currently #31 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #31 | 5,682 | ▼ down 7 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #24 | 6,300 | ▼ down 7 · -10% births |
| 2021 | #17 | 6,985 | ▼ down 4 · -11% births |
| 2020 | #13 | 7,817 | ▼ down 6 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #7 | 12,401 | stable · -13% births |
| 2010 | #7 | 14,247 | ▼ down 3 · -10% births |
| 2005 | #4 | 15,749 | ▲ up 10 · +20% births |
| 2000 | #14 | 13,090 | ▲ up 22 · +67% births |
| 1995 | #36 | 7,822 | ▲ up 54 · +110% births |
| 1990 | #90 | 3,719 | ▲ up 63 · +101% births |
| 1985 | #153 | 1,846 | ▲ up 23 · +17% births |
| 1980 | #176 | 1,576 | ▲ up 178 · +157% births |
| 1975 | #354 | 614 | ▲ up 172 · +70% births |
| 1970 | #526 | 362 | ▲ up 153 · +72% births |
| 1965 | #679 | 210 | — |
The story of Abigail
Abigail has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #4 in 2005, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. More than 383,925 babies have been named Abigail since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #492 in 1880 to #31 in 2023. Abigail is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Abigail in 2005:
Abigail by decade
Abigail peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 133 | |
| 1890s | 128 | |
| 1900s | 136 | |
| 1910s | 270 | |
| 1920s | 322 | |
| 1930s | 365 | |
| 1940s | 648 | |
| 1950s | 1,673 | |
| 1960s | 2,411 | |
| 1970s | 6,713 | |
| 1980s | 20,764 | |
| 1990s | 72,910 | |
| 2000s ★ | 151,127 | |
| 2010s | 118,508 | |
| 2020s | 7,817 | |
What are good nicknames for Abigail?
ENGLISH
AbbeyAbbiAbbieAbbyGailGailaGaleGaylaGayle
Famous people named Abigail
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Abigail (historical community leader)
Abigail led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
A(
Abigail (historical community leader)
Abigail led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
A(
Abigail (historical figure)
Abigail bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Abigail?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Abigail also consider these
How is Abigail written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Abigail
What does the name Abigail mean?
Abigail means "אֲבִיגָיִל" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Abigail?
Abigail is currently ranked #31 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Abigail?
Abigail originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Abigail?
Abigail is a three-syllable name pronounced AE1 B AH0 G EY2 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Abigail?
Abigail pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.