What’s in a name?
A name holds special meaning, and choosing your child’s name is perhaps one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent.
While it can often feel overwhelming (How do I choose the perfect name for my baby?), it can also be a privilege to name this little person who will enter your family and change your life forever.
It gives your child an identity, a title by which others will come to know her. And a great reward of parenthood is watching her grow into that identity.
We had an idea of how to name our son before he was born, but it was when we cradled him in our arms for the first time that we were able to fully commit to his name. Now we see so clearly how that name defines him!
Perhaps you feel some pressure to choose the perfect middle name for your little girl but haven’t heard a name you just love yet.
To help you in the process (and hopefully eliminate endless searches on parenting forums and social media), we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the middle names that go best with Abigail.
The sound of your daughter’s name should evoke peace, joy, and even a sense of uniqueness!
It’s important to give her a name that is both precious to you and also flatters your last name!
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What does the name Abigail mean?
Abigail is originally a Hebrew name translating, “the father’s joy” or “gives joy.” Most notably, it comes from The Bible where King David’s third wife, Abigail was described as both intelligent and beautiful.
Historically, the name Abigail became popular following the Protestant Reformation. But during the 17th century, Abigail became a slang title for servant or handmaid and soon fell out of favor.
In the 1980s, however, the name resurfaced and became the 19th most popular girl’s name by 2020.
The name Abigail has so much timeless charm that it’s probably sticking around for a while!
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How does each middle name sound with Abigail?
Because the name Abigail has such a rich heritage, it’s important to find a middle name that matches its traditional charm.
Some middle names make Abigail sound more traditional, while others give the name a more modern appeal.
It’s also helpful to consider how both names pair with your last name.
Have you ever said a name and thought, Wow, that felt like a mouthful! or Hmm, I don’t love how that sounds…?
Generally, that’s because the name lacks cadence. Cadence is the rhythmic flow of a set of sounds or words.
Like meter in a song, cadence gives words a pulse or beat. A desirable cadence can be achieved by following a pattern of syllables and sounds.
For example, the name Abigail Charlotte Wilde follows a 3:2:1 syllable pattern, and that name has a good “beat.”
It flows easily as you say it and doesn’t sound awkward or feel like a mouthful of words.
Abigail Elizabeth Wilde also has a nice ring to it even though it has a 3:4:1 cadence because the last name Wilde is only one syllable!
However, if you choose a one-syllable middle name, say Abigail Joy Wilde, the name is still pretty but feels “choppy.”
On the other hand, Abigail Joy Pompano has a nice ring because the last name contains more syllables.
This is not always the case but is a good general rule to follow. Typically, mixed syllable names sound best because they create cadence!
When trying to determine the cadence of your baby’s potential name, take time to say it out loud in different tones.
What does it sound like in a comforting tone? How about when you introduce her to a new teacher?
And now in your high-pitched mom voice (you know the one)? If it feels like too much to say, makes you laugh, or just doesn’t flow, then you’ll know it’s not the right combination!
While cadence is important, naming is also a kind of art – sometimes it has to make sense to the eye (or ears!) of the beholder.
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What do the two names mean together?
Your daughter’s first name needs a good companion!
And that’s why it matters how her middle name complements the name Abigail. Is there another name that has a special meaning to you?
For example, my son’s first name means, “God has been gracious,” and his middle name means, “valiant protector.” Together his name loosely translates “gracious protector,” and we find it perfect for an eldest son!
It doesn’t always work effortlessly, but sometimes the meanings of names can complement each other as much as the names themselves!
Another advantage of a middle name that you love – not just one that “works” – is that you can use it for your child if another Abigail enters the family or your daughter goes to school with 20 other girls named Abigail!
It’s also constructive to think of how potential nicknames will sound with the middle name you choose.
Some common nicknames for Abigail are Abby, Lily, and Gail. Gail is less common nowadays, but Lily and Abby are still popular nicknames among little Abigails!
A name like Abby Anna doesn’t sound as good as, say, Abby Claire. If you think she may be called Abby, then consider a name which will sound sweet with this nickname!
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Are there names that are significant to your family?
While you’re contemplating meanings and cadence, are there vintage names in your family that could go with Abigail?
Particularly since it’s a more traditional name, there may be a great aunt or grandmother with a first or middle name you can follow.
Selecting a family name is a thoughtful way to show honor or remembrance for loved ones, given that your families respect your decision and don’t feel like you are showing preference. (Further proof that names are so important to everyone!)
Good middle names for Abigail
So what are the best middle names for Abigail? Below is a list of the top 100 middle name ideas for Abigail!
- Abigail Alanna (consider if you like the sound of a double “A” alliteration)
- Abigail Anna
- Abigail Arden
- Abigail Aryn
- Abigail Ava
- Abigail Blaine
- Abigail Blair
- Abigail Blake
- Abigail Blythe
- Abigail Bree
- Abigail Brooke
- Abigail Brigid
- Abigail Bryn
- Abigail Caitlin
- Abigail Camryn
- Abigail Carrie
- Abigail Caris
- Abigail Charlotte
- Abigail Chase
- Abigail Chloe
- Abigail Claire
- Abigail Daphne
- Abigail Dawn
- Abigail Eileen
- Abigail Elaine
- Abigail Eleanor
- Abigail Elena
- Abigail Elise
- Abigail Elizabeth (most popular on parenting forums)
- Abigail Eliza
- Abigail Faith
- Abigail Faye
- Abigail Fiona
- Abigail Georgia
- Abigail Grace (Grace has been a very popular middle name in the last 5 years)
- Abigail Haley
- Abigail Hannah
- Abigail Hope
- Abigail Iris
- Abigail Isadora
- Abigail Jacklyn
- Abigail Jade
- Abigail Jaidyn
- Abigail Jane
- Abigail Josey
- Abigail Joy
- Abigail Juliet
- Abigail Kate
- Abigail Katherine
- Abigail Krystan
- Abigail Laurel
- Abigail Lauren
- Abigail Laurette
- Abigail Leah
- Abigail Leigh
- Abigail Lynn
- Abigail Madison
- Abigail Mae
- Abigail Makenna
- Abigail Makayla
- Abigail Mairin
- Abigail Mary
- Abigail Mia
- Abigail Monique (a little edgy, but pretty and feels more modern)
- Abigail Naomi
- Abigail Nicole
- Abigail Noelle
- Abigail Nora
- Abigail Olivia
- Abigail Paige
- Abigail Palmer
- Abigail Patience
- Abigail Pearl
- Abigail Penelope
- Abigail Quinn
- Abigail Raine
- Abigail Reese
- Abigail Renee
- Abigail Riley
- Abigail Rosalie
- Abigail Rose (very popular on baby name websites)
- Abigail Rowan
- Abigail Ruby
- Abigail Ruth
- Abigail Sage
- Abigail Sarah
- Abigail Savannah
- Abigail Serena
- Abigail Simone
- Abigail Sloane
- Abigail Sophia
- Abigail Taylor
- Abigail Tess
- Abigail Victoria
- Abigail Violet
- Abigail Willa
- Abigail Willow
- Abigail Wren
- Abigail Zara
- Abigail Zoe
A few of my favorites
Personally, I love the elegance of the name Abigail, and I think most of the names on the list sound natural with it!
But speaking to which sounds best, consider which middle name gives your daughter’s name a richer meaning and also achieves cadence with your last name.
I love Abigail Blair, Blake, Caris, or Riley for a more modern touch. If you’re seeking a more classic feel, Abigail Charlotte, Hope, Nora, or Ruth add to the traditional zeal of Abigail.
And some of the three-syllable names may work well if you have a one-syllable last name, including Abigail Penelope, Victoria, Elizabeth or Madison.
Whichever name you choose, may you delight in the sweet little angel who bears it!