The girl's name Abigail \a-bi-gail\ is pronounced AB-ih-gayl. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "father of exaltation". Biblical: the name of King David's third wife, described as "good in discretion and beautiful in form". She referred to herself as David's "handmaid", and her name became widely used as a term for a lady's maid. The name first came into use in Britain in the 16th century, under Puritan influence. Abbie, Abbey, and Abby are pet forms; Abegail is the Spanish form. Abigail Adams, wife of President John Adams; advice columnist Abigail Van Buren.

ORIGIN
Hebrew

MEANING
A father's joy

The name of the third wife of King David in the Old Testament who referred to herself as David's "handmaid" which paved the way for its use in literature for a lady's servant. The name has steadily climbed in popularity since the 1940s, breaking into the top 100 in 1989. First lady and wife of former president John Adams is a namesake. Known today as the pen name for advice columnist Abigail Van Buren.

VARIATIONS
Aaron Abel

ALTERNATIVES
Abigayle Abegail Abbigail Abbygael Abigayl Abigale Abigael Abagail

NICKNAMES
Gayle Abby

FAMOUS Abigails
Abigail Breslin (actress)

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