Find out how popular the first name Abigeal has been for the last 12 years (from 2002 to 2013) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Abigeal by gender

Based on the last 12 years of data, Abigeal is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2013, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Abigeal.

The history of the first name Abigeal

The name Abigeal is an English variant of the Hebrew name Abigail, which is derived from the Hebrew words "av" meaning "father" and "gil" meaning "joy" or "rejoice." The name can be interpreted as "a father's joy" or "my father's joy." The earliest known origins of the name can be traced back to the Bible, where it was borne by the wise and beautiful wife of Nabal in the Old Testament.

In the Book of Samuel, Abigail is portrayed as a peacemaker who intervened to prevent her husband from being killed by David. Her intelligence and diplomacy earned her David's respect, and after Nabal's death, she became one of David's wives. This biblical account is believed to have contributed to the popularity of the name among early Christians and Jews.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Abigail can be found in the 13th century, when it was used by Abigail of Bucks, an English noblewoman and landowner who lived during the reign of King Henry III. Another notable historical figure bearing the name was Abigail Adams (1744-1818), the wife of the second President of the United States, John Adams. She was a strong advocate for women's rights and played a significant role in the early years of the American Revolution.

In the 17th century, Abigail Williams (c. 1680-1692) was a key figure in the Salem Witch Trials, where her accusations against her neighbors led to widespread hysteria and numerous executions. On a more positive note, Abigail Folger (1943-1969) was an heiress and social activist who was tragically killed by the Manson Family cult in 1969.

Other famous individuals named Abigail include Abigail Van Buren (1918-2013), the renowned advice columnist who wrote the "Dear Abby" column for over 50 years, and Abigail Breslin (born 1996), an American actress best known for her roles in films such as "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Zombieland."

Throughout history, the name Abigeal has been a popular choice among various cultures and religions, reflecting its biblical origins and the positive connotations associated with it. While the spelling may vary, the essence of the name remains the same – a source of joy and pride for parents.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Abigeal was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Abigeal, please contact us.

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