Where it comes from
avigayil (אֲבִיגַיִל), 'my father's joy'
Also known as
Avigayil (the original Hebrew form), Gail (independent English short form)
Fun Fact
Abigail appears in the Hebrew Bible as a wife of King David, praised for her wisdom in defusing a conflict. The nickname 'Gail' became so independently popular in the 20th century that many don't realize its origin.