Abigail is a name of Hebrew origin that means "father rejoices." It is derived from the Hebrew word "ab" meaning father and "gal" meaning joy or happiness. The name Abigail has been popular throughout history, with several notable figures sharing this name.
One of the most famous Abigails in history is Abigail, the wife of King David in the Old Testament of the Bible. According to the story, Abigail was a wise and intelligent woman who prevented her husband from committing adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. She later became one of King David's wives after Uriah was killed in battle.
Another notable Abigail is Abigail Adams, the wife of John Adams, the second President of the United States. Abigail was known for her intelligence and strong opinions on politics and social issues. She was a frequent correspondent with her husband while he was away serving as a diplomat in Europe, and their letters provide valuable insights into the early days of the American Revolution.
The name Abigail has also been popular among royalty throughout history. Queen Consort Abigail Mazarolle was the wife of King Louis XII of France in the 16th century, while Princess Abigail of Lucinge is a member of the Swedish royal family today.
Despite its long history and many notable figures, the name Abigail remains relatively uncommon compared to other names like Emily or Sarah. However, it has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. Today, Abigail is often associated with intelligence, wisdom, and strength of character, qualities that were embodied by many of the historic figures who bore this name.
The name Abigale experienced a significant rise in popularity from the late 1980s onwards, peaking around the mid-1990s with over 200 births annually between 1994 and 2006. However, it has since declined, with fewer than 50 births recorded each year since 2017. As of 2023, there have been a total of 5842 babies named Abigale since 1958.