Abi

♀ Girl

Pronounced AB-ee /ˈæb.i/High

Meaning: A short form of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy; the father's joy'Medium

In 30 seconds: My father is joy: Abi shortens Abigail — 'my father is joy'. Sweet, friendly, and warm (said 'AB-ee').

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Origin MediumHebrew

MeaningA short form of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy; the father's joy'

U.S. rank (2024)#6145 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births19 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2016

Total births (all-time)≈ 622

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Abi is a short form of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy; the father's joy' (the wise, beautiful biblical wife of King David). A sweet, friendly, modern short form (said 'AB-ee'; also spelled Abby, Abbie).

It registers thinly as a formal name. Rare on its own, my-father-is-joy at the root, and friendly.

Did you know? Abigail means 'my father is joy' (Hebrew Avigayil) — Abi is its sweet, friendly short form (said 'AB-ee').

Overall data confidence 65%

Behind the Name — Abigail — root etymology

Variations

AbbyAbbieAbigail

Nicknames

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If you like Abi…

Abby— a fellow spelling

Abbie— a companion spelling

Abigail— the full name

Ani— a fellow Hebrew choice

Avi— another Hebrew name

Explore names like Abi

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Abi mean?

Abi shortens Abigail — Hebrew 'my father is joy'.

How do you pronounce Abi?

It's said AB-ee /ˈæb.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Abi a boy or girl name?

Abi is a girl's name.

How popular is Abi?

Abi is a rare given name in the U.S.