Abigale is a variant spelling of the name Abigail, which itself derives from the Hebrew name אֲבִיגָיִל (ʾAviḡayil), meaning "my father is joy." This meaning comes from the Hebrew roots אָב (ʾav) meaning "father" and גִּיל (gil) meaning "joy." In the Old Testament, Abigail is the wife of Nabal, who after his death becomes the third wife of King David (1 Samuel 25). The biblical Abigail is described as intelligent and beautiful, and she refers to herself as a servant, which later influenced the name's usage. Etymology and History As an English name, Abigail first became common after the Protestant Reformation and was particularly popular among the Puritans. However, beginning in the 17th century, the name took on a derogatory slang meaning of "servant" or "maid," especially after the play The Scornful Lady (1616) featured a character named Abigail. This caused the name to fall out of fashion for a time. It was revived in the 20th century and has since become popular again. The variant spelling Abigale emerged as a modern alternative, likely influenced by phonetic spelling or a desire for uniqueness. Notable Bearers While Abigale is less common than Abigail, notable bearers include Abigale Auden, a fictional character in the video game Dead by Daylight. The name is also used in various works of fiction and media. Cultural Significance Abigale, like its parent name, is predominantly used in English-speaking countries. It carries the same biblical and historical associations as Abigail, but with a slightly more modern or distinctive spelling. The name is often perceived as feminine and classic, yet with a contemporary twist. Meaning: "My father is joy" Origin: Hebrew, via English variant of Abigail Type: First name Usage Regions: English-speaking countries