Gail Unisex

Popularity: · Trend: → Stable

Origin(s)

PronunciationGAYL / /ɡeɪl/

English; Hebrew

Meaning

English: joyful; Hebrew: a ring or a circle

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Gail has roots in both English and Hebrew. In English-speaking countries, it is often associated with joy and happiness. The Hebrew origin relates to the concept of a circle, symbolizing completeness. The name has been used for both genders, though it is more commonly given to females in contemporary contexts.

Trend Summary

The name Gail has seen a decline in popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Gale

International Variants

  • Gail (English)

Famous people named Gail

Gail Simmons is a Canadian food writer and television personality known for her work on 'Top Chef'.

Gail Devers is an American former track and field athlete who won three Olympic gold medals in sprinting events.

Gail Porter is a Scottish television presenter and actress known for her work in British media.

Gail Godwin is an American author recognized for her novels and essays exploring themes of family and identity.

Fictional characters named Gail

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Gail was first seen in the United States in 1882. Gail has ranked as high as #708 nationally, which occurred in 1942, and has been most popular in Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, and Indiana. In the past 5 years the name Gail has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Gail (1976)

StateBirthsShare
OH 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18827
18866
18887
18896
18917
189211
189313
189410
189513
18969
18976
189811
18998
19009
190112
190211
190317
190412
19058
190612
190719
190813
190910
191025
191123
191240
191361
191488
1915143
1916151
1917158
1918170
1919176
1920171
1921177
1922175
1923208
1924172
1925179
1926189
1927122
1928176
1929147
1930151
1931135
1932156
1933171
1934212
1935194
1936220
1937218
1938193
1939217
1940190
1941199
1942227
1943213
1944195
1945167
1946209
1947205
1948202
1949210
1950173
1951180
1952167
1953155
1954108
1955115
1956112
1957103
195889
1959104
196058
196175
196265
196352
196439
196538
196639
196737
196832
196937
197024
197139
197234
197330
197425
197526
197620
197714
197811
197913
19806
198117
19826
19836
19845
19865
19878
19886
19896