Abigail

Abigail is a female given name of Hebrew origin, from Avigail, traditionally interpreted as "my father's joy" or "father's rejoicing." The form has been used in English since the 17th century and has produced various spellings and regional variants, including Abigael and Abigaille.

In the Hebrew Bible, Abigail is the wife of Nabal who, after Nabal's death, becomes the wife of King David. Noted for her wisdom and diplomacy in averting bloodshed, she is frequently cited as a model of prudent leadership, and the name has carried connotations of intelligence and measured action.

Several prominent people have borne the name, including Abigail Adams (First Lady of the United States, wife of John Adams); Abigail Breslin (actress); Abigail Spencer (actress); Abigail Johnson (CEO of Fidelity Investments); Abigail Folger (murder victim during the Manson Family murders); and the soccer star Abby Wambach (Abigail Wambach).

In fiction, Abigail Williams is a central character in Arthur Miller's The Crucible, whose accusations help spark the Salem witch trials. The name also appears for various other fictional Abigails in literature, film, and television, reflecting its enduring popularity as a versatile and approachable name.

Nicknames include Abby, Abbie, and Gail, the latter formerly used as a standalone given name. In Spanish, Abigaíl is common; in French, Abigaïl. The name remains widely used in English-speaking countries across generations.