Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(father). (1) A syllable of frequent occurrence in the composition of Hebrew proper names, and signifies possession or endowment. Appears in Chaldaic form of Abba in N. T. (Mark 14:36; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6). (2) Eleventh month of the Jewish civil, and fifth of the sacred, year; corresponding to parts of July and August. [MONTH.]
Concise Bible Dictionary:
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.