Find out how popular the first name Abygail has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Abygail by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Abygail is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 23 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Abygail.

The history of the first name Abygail

The given name Abygail has its roots in the Hebrew language and culture. It is a variant spelling of the biblical name Abigail, which means "father's joy" or "source of joy." The name traces back to ancient times, appearing in the Old Testament as the name of a wise and beautiful woman who became the wife of King David.

The name Abygail likely emerged as an alternative spelling during the Middle Ages, when names were often adapted and transliterated into various languages and scripts. It may have been influenced by the Latin alphabet or other language-specific pronunciations and spellings.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Abygail can be found in the writings of the 17th-century English philosopher and statesman, Francis Bacon. In his work "The Essayes or Counsels, Civill and Morall," published in 1625, he mentions an "Abygail" as an example of a virtuous woman.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Abygail. One such figure was Abygail Washburn (1677-1757), an early American settler in Massachusetts who played a significant role in the founding of the town of Bridgewater. Another was Abygail Buren (1779-1858), the wife of the 8th President of the United States, Martin Van Buren.

In the literary realm, Abygail was the name of a character in the 1815 novel "The Wanderer; or, Female Difficulties" by the British writer Fanny Burney. This fictional character was portrayed as a strong-willed and independent woman.

In the field of science, Abygail Barnett (1836-1920) was a notable American astronomer and educator. She was one of the first women to receive a Ph.D. in astronomy and played a significant role in advancing the field during the late 19th century.

Lastly, Abygail Adams (1744-1818) was the wife of the second President of the United States, John Adams, and an influential figure in her own right. She is renowned for her intelligence, leadership, and advocacy for women's rights during the American Revolution and the early years of the nation.

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 Abygail was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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