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Abby

Girl name · 1,701 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Abby: 1,701 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 156 births in 2003.

Abby is most often a short form of Abigail, a Hebrew name from Avigayil, meaning "my father is joy" or "father's rejoicing." This warm, friendly diminutive has long been used as a given name in its own right, particularly in Scotland and the wider English-speaking world. Famous bearers include Abby Wambach, the record-breaking American soccer forward who inspired a generation of athletes, and Abby Lee Miller, the controversial dance teacher from the reality series Dance Moms. Though no major places are directly named after an Abby, the name shares its joyful root with the biblical Abigail, wife of King David. A popular alternative spelling, Abbie, is equally common across Scottish birth registers, giving parents two charming ways to reach the same cheerful sound.