MallowbyNames

Abbe

AB-ee · Diminutive of Abigail, meaning 'my father is joy' in Hebrew.

Peak popularity
1958
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Abbe since 1949

Babies named Abbe per year in U.S. Social Security records.

2652781960198020002020Most births 1958Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1940s5
1950s417
1960s292
1970s185
1980s199
1990s124
2000s92
2010s11
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Abbe is a short form of the classic name Abigail, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'my father is joy.' Though never a mainstream choice, Abbe saw its highest usage in the 1950s, peaking in 1958. In recent decades it has remained a rare but stable presence. As of 2025, it does not rank in the top 1000 and its rarity means no top states can be identified. Parents today who choose Abbe are often seeking a vintage, underused nickname name with religious roots and a gentle sound.

Abbe is a diminutive form of Abigail, derived from the Hebrew name Avigayil, meaning 'my father is joy.' Abigail appears in the Old Testament as a wise and beautiful wife of King David. The nickname Abbe emerged in English-speaking countries in the 19th and 20th centuries as a casual, affectionate variant.

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Abbey, Abbie

Sibling names for Abbe

Names that share Abbe's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Emma, Grace, Lucy, Molly, Ruby

Brothers: Jack, Charlie, Sam, Max, Luke

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

A is for Abbe, our favorite little girl.

A is for Abbe…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Abbe's letter becomes Abbe's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Abbe's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Abbe mean?
Abbe is a diminutive of Abigail, which means 'my father is joy' in Hebrew.
How popular is Abbe?
Abbe has not ranked in the top 1000 U.S. baby names in recent years. Its peak year was 1958, when it was most commonly used.
Is Abbe a boy or girl name?
Abbe is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.