Abigail

Commonly explained as “my father is joy” or “father’s joy.”

Abigail is a feminine given name with Hebrew roots and long-term popularity in English-language usage. It’s especially familiar in communities influenced by biblical naming traditions, and it has stayed recognizable without being overly tied to one generation. Etymologically, Abigail comes from the Hebrew Avigayil and is commonly explained as “my father is joy” or “father’s joy.” The name is also linked to the biblical Abigail in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, which is a key reason it has been transmitted and adapted across languages. As with many Hebrew-origin names, exact nuances of translation can differ slightly depending on how scholars parse the components, but the “joy” reading is the most common summary. In English, pronunciation is typically AB-ih-gayl with three syllables and stress on the first. It’s also very nickname-friendly (Abby is common), which can matter if you prefer a formal full name with an easy everyday short form.

Etymology: From the Hebrew name Avigayil. The name is associated with Abigail in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, which helps explain its long-standing use in Jewish and Christian naming traditions.