Rising since 1985, #3,975 for girls today.
Popularity of Gaby since 1920
Babies named Gaby per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 6 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 28 |
| 1960s | 50 |
| 1970s | 23 |
| 1980s | 24 |
| 1990s | 228 |
| 2000s | 447 |
| 2010s | 407 |
| 2020s | 219 |
Meaning & origin
Gaby is a modern diminutive that has carved out its own identity as a given name. First recorded in U.S. data in 1920, it peaked in popularity in 2010 and has been rising since 1985, reflecting a trend toward shorter, nickname-style names. The name has a 1 in 44,646 chance of being encountered among newborns in 2025, placing it at rank 3,975. It has been most common in North Carolina and Florida, suggesting particular favor in the South. As a clipped form of the biblical names Gabriel and Gabrielle, it carries understated religious resonance while feeling contemporary. Its simplicity and familiarity make it an accessible choice for parents seeking a name that is both friendly and unpretentious.
Gaby originated as a diminutive of Gabriel (masculine) or Gabrielle (feminine), both derived from the Hebrew name Gavri'el, meaning 'God is my strength' or 'God is my hero.' The shortened form gained independent usage in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. In French, Gaby can be a standalone given name as well, often feminine.
Where Gaby is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Gaby” around the world
Where Gaby lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
90
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Gaby
Names that share Gaby's style, for a brother or sister.
