English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

name Uncommon

Abby

AB-ee

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Abby (name) means a common diminutive of the given name Abigail, also used as a standalone name. Example: “Abby started her new job on Monday.”

name

1

A common diminutive of the given name Abigail, also used as a standalone name.

"Abby started her new job on Monday."

How to use Abby

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA popular short form of the name Abigail.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Abbys

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ started her new job on Monday.

Etymology

A shortened, informal form of Abigail.

Rhymes for Abby

tabby Gabby crabby flabby scabby shabby grabby

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Abby” mean?

The word “Abby” means a common diminutive of the given name Abigail, also used as a standalone name. In plain terms, a popular short form of the name Abigail.

How do you pronounce “Abby”?

“Abby” is pronounced AB-ee (/ˈæb.i/ in IPA).

How do you use “Abby” in a sentence?

Here is “Abby” used in a sentence: “Abby started her new job on Monday.”

What part of speech is “Abby”?

“Abby” is a name.

Is “Abby” a common word?

“Abby” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Is Abby a full name or a nickname?

Abby is most often used as a diminutive, or shortened pet form, of the full name Abigail. It is also common enough that some people are given Abby as a standalone name on official records rather than as a short form of anything else.

Can Abby be used as a name for boys?

Abby is used almost exclusively as a feminine given name. It functions as a nickname for Abigail, which is a girl's name, so Abby follows the same usage.

Is Abby the same as Abbie or Abbey?

Abby, Abbie, and Abbey are simply alternate spellings of the same diminutive name. None of the spellings is more "official" than the others, and which one a person uses is usually just a matter of personal or family preference.