MallowbyNames

Abi

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

2025 rank (girls)
#9,457
Babies named in 2025
10
Peak popularity
2016
2025 frequency
1 in 160,727 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 1990

Rising since 1990, #9,457 for girls today.

Popularity of Abi since 1973

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

91827198020002020Most births 2016Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s23
1980s69
1990s91
2000s180
2010s185
2020s84

Meaning & origin

Abi emerged as a standalone given name in the United States in 1973. Initially a nickname for Abigail, it gained independent use and has seen rising popularity since the 1990s. Its peak year was 2016, when it reached its highest rank. The name remains relatively uncommon, with only about 1 in 160,727 girls receiving it in 2025. It is primarily used in English-speaking countries and is considered a modern, informal choice.

Abi originated as a diminutive of Abigail, from the Hebrew name Avigayil meaning 'my father is joy'. Used independently since the late 20th century, it gained traction as a standalone name, particularly in English-speaking countries.

Abi” around the world

Where Abi lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    5

    babies in 2024

  • Ireland

    4

    babies in 2025

Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Abbie, Abby

Sibling names for Abi

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

Sisters: Emma, Olivia, Sophie, Ava, Mia

Brothers: Ethan, Liam, Noah, Jacob, Mason

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

A is for Abi, our favorite little girl.

A is for Abi…”

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

Make Abi's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Abi mean?
Abi is a short form of Abigail, which means 'my father is joy' in Hebrew.
How popular is the name Abi?
As of 2025, Abi ranks 9,457th in the United States, with about 1 in 160,727 girls given the name. Its peak popularity was in 2016.
Is Abi a boy or girl name?
Abi is predominantly a girl's name, though it can occasionally be used for boys as a short form of names like Abraham.