Rising since 1985, #2,117 for girls today.
Popularity of Avigail since 1968
Babies named Avigail per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 17 |
| 1980s | 56 |
| 1990s | 242 |
| 2000s | 581 |
| 2010s | 841 |
| 2020s | 475 |
Meaning & origin
Avigail is a Hebrew name meaning 'father's joy,' a direct variant of the more familiar Abigail. In the U.S., it first appeared in records in 1968 and has been rising in usage since 1985, peaking in 2016. Currently ranking 2,117th, its popularity reflects a broader trend toward authentic Hebrew spellings, such as Avigail over Abigail, especially among Jewish families. The name is most popular in New Jersey, New York, and Colorado, states with significant Jewish populations. Modern American adaptations may respell it as Avigayil, but the original Hebrew form maintains a steady, quiet presence.
Avigail is a Hebrew name from 'av' (father) and 'gil' (joy), meaning 'father's joy.' It is a variant of Abigail, appearing in the Old Testament as the wife of King David. The spelling Avigail is common in modern Israel and among Jewish communities, reflecting the modern Hebrew pronunciation.
Where Avigail is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Avigail” around the world
Where Avigail lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Avi, Gail, Abby
Sibling names for Avigail
Names that share Avigail's style, for a brother or sister.
