This word, signifying “father, source, origin,” is much used in compound proper names: as Ab-salom, “father of peace”; it is also used in female proper names, as Ab-igail, “source of joy,” though some retain the word “father” in females’ names, as “the father’s joy.” Fürst gives also to Ab the meanings of “freshness, strength, fruit”; but in proper names he often takes Ab to signify God; as Abijah, “God is Jah.” See NAMES.