Abbott

A traditionally masculine surname, denoting the head of a monastery, a priest, or someone who worked for a church official, Abbott may appeal as a fresh spin on Biblical Abigail. Quietly used for boys, it has seen very occasional use for girls since the 2000s.

Ultimately derived from the same root as Abraham, Abner, and the aforementioned Abigail, Abbott can mean "father", though it has been adapted to mean "priest" or "head of an abbey", via the Italian abate. As an English name, however, it's an occupational choice, given to someone who worked for a church official.

An unexpected honor for an Abigail or Abraham, perhaps, or even for a family member who works for the church, Abbott is a rarely used option with familiar nicknames.

Pronounced AB-ut.

As of October 2026, Abbott ranked #14493 in US births in 2015 SSA, peaked at #11932 in 2014.