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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Abigail

42 replies

Carlie97 · 09/04/2026 14:18

Is it a timeless classic or best left in the past? I personally love it.

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BoleynMemories13 · 09/04/2026 16:30

It's never been a personal favourite of mine, but it's definitely a classic. It's obviously not currently as popular as it once was, but I wouldn't be surprised to meet a young Abigail.

The youngest I know is about 11. I also know a 14 year old Abbie, who is just Abbie.

SuperMarioToadPrincessPeach · 09/04/2026 16:28

I really like it.

KnitWitsAnonymous · 09/04/2026 16:11

I know two ~ both teenagers. It's a lovely name which means "My father's joy"

I prefer Abigail to any of the shortened versions

MauveFatball · 09/04/2026 16:00

My 35 year old daughter is an Abigail, although she’s preferred to be called Abi since she was a teenager.

CeciliaMars · 09/04/2026 15:56

I love it but not keen on Abi/Abby

Viviennemary · 09/04/2026 15:53

It's not awful but I can't see the attraction at all.

ToadRage · 09/04/2026 15:50

I quite like it but I do like the diminutive Abi as well, had a friend back in my teens called Abigail.who always went by Abi.

RosesAndHellebores · 09/04/2026 15:48

Always makes me think of Abigail's Party. It strikes my ear as a hard name. I think I prefer Adelaide.

Ewerty · 09/04/2026 15:38

newrubylane · 09/04/2026 15:32

What?

How would you know your baby was going to grow up to be a ladies' maid?

Show quote history

That made me snort my coffee 😂

newrubylane · 09/04/2026 15:32

SomeTameGazelles · 09/04/2026 14:49

Dated. Sort of ‘Footballers’ Wives of the Recent Past’. And before that it was commonly used for ladies’ maids.

What?

How would you know your baby was going to grow up to be a ladies' maid?

Calliopespa · 09/04/2026 15:29

I think it is a classic.

It isn't one of my favourites if I were choosing because I don't like the "gail" bit BUT I would still think it was both classic and sweet if someone else named their child Abigail.

I know one in her teens who always goes by Abi or Abs, which I think spoils it a bit: I quite like it as the full name.

So I don't much like Abi, I really don't like Gail, but I think Abigail is rather nice!

pinkorchid1 · 09/04/2026 15:07

I love it! I have a lovely friend called Abi !

NamingNoNames · 09/04/2026 15:06

I like it.

user1492757084 · 09/04/2026 14:51

It's never out of date though not as popular as classics like Elizabeth and Sarah.
Biblical names are classics.

SomeTameGazelles · 09/04/2026 14:49

Dated. Sort of ‘Footballers’ Wives of the Recent Past’. And before that it was commonly used for ladies’ maids.

Bellybellas · 09/04/2026 14:46

I find it dated. I also don’t think it sounds particularly nice.

Ewerty · 09/04/2026 14:33

I have an Abigail, as does my sister's best friend. Both under 6. I think it's a classic

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