ThinkabaraAbigail: meaning and origin
Abigail
“My father is joy”
About the name Abigail
Abigail is a girl’s name from the Hebrew tradition. Its meaning is “my father is joy”. Names from Hebrew, many of them from the Bible. They have been used in English for centuries — from Hannah and Sarah to Noah, Elijah and Levi.
Abigail is a biblical name, found in the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament, which is one reason it has been used for centuries in English-speaking families.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
More names with a similar meaning: names that mean joy and happiness.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Hebrew names
- Anna 👧Grace, favor; a form of Hannah · Hebrew
- Ayla 👧Oak tree · Hebrew
- Daniela 👧God is my judge · Hebrew
- Delilah 👧Delicate · Hebrew
- Eden 👧Delight; the Garden of Eden · Hebrew
- Eliana 👧My God has answered · Hebrew
- Elizabeth 👧My God is an oath · Hebrew
- Elliot 🧒My God is the Lord; from the medieval Elias · Hebrew
- Esther 👧Star (via Persian) · Hebrew
- Gabriela 👧God is my strength · Hebrew
- Gabriella 👧God is my strength · Hebrew
- Hannah 👧Grace, favor · Hebrew
Sibling name ideas (Hebrew, boys)
- Aaron 👦Exalted, mountain of strength · Hebrew
- Abraham 👦Father of many · Hebrew
- Adam 👦Man, earth · Hebrew
- Amos 👦Carried by God · Hebrew
- Ari 👦Lion · Hebrew
- Asher 👦Happy, blessed · Hebrew
- Benjamin 👦Son of the right hand · Hebrew
- Boaz 👦Swiftness, strength · Hebrew
More girl names starting with A
- Aaliyah 👧Exalted, high; made famous by the singer Aaliyah · African American
- Abeni 👧We asked for her, and behold, we got her (Yoruba) · African
- Adaeze 👧Daughter of the king (Igbo) · African
- Adeline 👧Noble · German
- Aiko 👧Child of love · Japanese
- Ainsley 👧One’s own meadow · Scottish
- Alexandra 👧Defender of the people · Greek
- Alice 👧Noble · German
- Allegra 👧Cheerful, lively · Italian
- Alondra 👧Lark (the songbird) · Spanish
Questions and answers
What does the name Abigail mean?
Abigail is a name of Hebrew origin. It means: my father is joy.
Is Abigail a boy or girl name?
Abigail is usually given to girls.
How many syllables does Abigail have?
Abigail has 7 letters and about 3 syllables.
Is Abigail a popular name?
Yes. Abigail has been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. Names marked “popular now” have been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. This is an approximate guide, not an official ranking; see the Social Security Administration’s baby names site for official counts.