Abby

♀ Girl

Pronounced AB-ee /ˈæb.i/High

Meaning: Short form of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigayil (אֲבִיגַיִל), meaning 'my father is joyful' or 'father's joy' (avi = my father + gil = joy); Abigail was a wise woman and wife of King David in the Hebrew BibleHigh

In 30 seconds: Abby is the sunny, friendly nickname for Abigail that has fully grown up as a standalone name. Bright and unassuming, it has the warmth of a best friend's name and the timeless quality of a biblical classic.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningShort form of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigayil (אֲבִיגַיִל), meaning 'my father is joyful' or 'father's joy' (avi = my father + gil = joy); Abigail was a wise woman and wife of King David in the Hebrew Bible

U.S. rank (2025)#731 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births379 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2003

Total births (all-time)≈ 61,851

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Abby is a diminutive of Abigail, the Hebrew Avigayil meaning 'father's joy.' Abigail was the name of one of King David's wives in the Old Testament and was popular in Puritan New England. Abby as a standalone name grew through the 19th and 20th centuries.

Abby has been used consistently in the United States as both a nickname and a given name. It peaked alongside Abigail in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It has a warm, approachable quality that has kept it in steady favor across generations.

Did you know? The biblical Abigail demonstrated extraordinary wisdom and diplomacy when she intercepted an enraged David on his way to massacre her foolish husband Nabal's household, bringing gifts and a carefully reasoned appeal that turned aside his wrath. Her story made Abigail — and Abby — a name associated with intelligence and grace under pressure.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Abby — etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AbbieAbbiAbigail

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Abby Wambach (1980–present)
American soccer player and two-time Olympic gold medalist.

If you like Abby…

Abigail— the full form from which Abby derives, sharing the Hebrew biblical heritage

Addie— fellow cheerful two-syllable nickname-name with the same sunny approachable quality

Gracie— shares the bright, friendly nickname-name feel and the same vintage warmth

Ellie— parallel beloved short -ie/-y ending name with the same immediate likability

Frequently Asked

What does the name Abby mean?

Abby means 'father's joy' as a short form of Abigail, from Hebrew Avigayil. Abigail was a wise wife of King David in the Old Testament.

How do you pronounce Abby?

Abby is pronounced AB-ee /ˈæb.i/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Abby a full name or a nickname?

Abby is used both as a standalone given name and as a nickname for Abigail.

Is Abby a popular name?

Abby has been consistently popular in the U.S., often used alongside Abigail. It remains a beloved, friendly choice.