Gabby

♀ Girl

Pronounced GAB-ee /ˈɡæb.i/High

Meaning: Pet form of Gabrielle or Gabriella, from the Hebrew Gavri'el meaning God is my strength or man of GodHigh

In 30 seconds: Gabby is the bubbly, energetic nickname for Gabrielle or Gabriella, carrying the powerful Hebrew meaning God is my strength while projecting pure cheerfulness.

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Origin HighHebrew, English

MeaningPet form of Gabrielle or Gabriella, from the Hebrew Gavri'el meaning God is my strength or man of God

U.S. rank (2024)#3051 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births53 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,196

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Gabby is the informal short form of Gabrielle or Gabriella, the feminine forms of the Hebrew archangel name Gabriel. Gabriel is mentioned in the Books of Daniel and Luke as God's divine messenger, giving the name profound scriptural weight.

Gabrielle became fashionable in English-speaking countries in the late 20th century, and Gabby quickly followed as its everyday nickname. Gabby Douglas, the Olympic gymnast, brought the standalone spelling to wide attention in the 2010s, cementing it as a name in its own right.

Did you know? In English, gabby also means talkative — a fun coincidence that makes the nickname especially lively and memorable for a chatty, outgoing child.

Overall data confidence 92%

Behind the Name — Gabrielle — Hebrew Gabriel etymology; feminine formsU.S. Social Security Administration — standalone name popularity tracking

Variations

GabiGabbiGabrielleGabriella

Nicknames

Gab

Famous Bearers

★Gabby Douglas (1995–present)
American artistic gymnast who became the first African American to win the Olympic individual all-around title at the 2012 London Games.
★Gabrielle Thomas (1996–present)
American sprinter who won the 200 metres Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games.

If you like Gabby…

Gabrielle— full name from which Gabby derives

Gabriella— sister full form with same Hebrew root

Abby— same bouncy two-syllable -bby nickname structure

Maddy— shares the friendly -addy diminutive feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Gabby mean?

Gabby means God is my strength, as a pet form of Gabrielle or Gabriella from the Hebrew name Gabriel.

How do you pronounce Gabby?

It is said GAB-ee, two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Gabby a boy or girl name?

Gabby is used almost exclusively as a girls' name in English-speaking countries.

How popular is Gabby?

Gabby is widely used as a nickname for Gabrielle or Gabriella, and increasingly as a standalone given name in the United States.