The Meaning of the Name Abby

What’s in a name? Well, we know what’s in ours. Abby is a common nickname for Abigail.

Although the name Abby may very well be given as the primary name for a girl, it is more typically a shortened version of Abigail, so we’ll explore that. 

The Origin 

Abigail has a biblical origin in the Hebrew language.

The Meaning

The name Abby – or Abigail – means my father is a source of great joy in its Hebrew bible origins.

The History

Abigail was the third wife of King David. She was said to be known for her beauty, integrity, wisdom, and righteousness. 

Alternative Spellings

Abby, Abbey, Abbie, Avigail, Avigayil

Famous Women Named Abby

Abbie Boudreau: An investigative reporter with multiple Emmy awards.

Abby Dalton: An actress in sitcoms during the 1960s, and a soap opera in the 1980s.

Abby Elliott: A comedian and actress on Saturday Night Live and Odd Mom Out.

Abigail Johnson: One of the world’s wealthiest women and CEO of Fidelity Investments.

Abigail Van Buren: The psuedonym for the decades-popular columnm, “Dear Abby.”

Abby Kelley: A fervent social rights activist for women and African-Americans in the 1800s.

Abby Martin: Journalist for RT America and citizen journalism activist.

Abbie Mitchell: American soprano opera singer in the first half of the 1900s.

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller: Daughter-in-law to oil magnate John D. Rockefeller and driving force behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.

Abby Travis: American rock musician and bass guitarist.

Abby Wambach: US soccer player and coach.

The Personality of an Abby

An Abby is very approachable, genuine, and overall a friendly person. She is a bit loquacious at times, but is very good-natured and considerate, hence she makes friends with everyone she meets. With a dash of originality in all that she does, she can absolutely handle anything that comes up on the spur of the moment.

Abby Men

Since there are men named Abby, and definitely male receptionists, we want to make sure that Abby men get a share of the action here. As a boy’s name, Abbycan be short for either Avner (Hebrew: Father of Light), Abbot (Old English: Priest), or Abelard (Old German: Noble Strength).

What do you think of the name Abby? Is it one that you would choose for yourself? What sort of traits do the Abbies in your life have?