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.