Find out how popular the first name Gail has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gail by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Gail is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 97% of people named Gail being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 21 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Gail.

The history of the first name Gail

The given name Gail has its origins in the French language, derived from the word "gaillard," meaning "high-spirited" or "lively." It emerged during the Medieval period, around the 12th century, and was initially used as a surname before transitioning into a given name.

In its early days, the name Gail was predominantly used in France and other French-speaking regions of Europe. Over time, it gained popularity in English-speaking countries due to its pleasant sound and meaning.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Gail can be found in the 13th-century French epic poem "Roman de Garin le Loherain," where a character named Gail appears as a minor figure. However, it was not until the 19th century that the name gained widespread usage as a given name.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Gail. One of the earliest was Gail Borden (1801-1874), an American inventor and businessman best known for developing a process for condensing milk, which laid the foundation for the modern dairy industry.

Another notable figure was Gail Patrick (1911-1980), an American actress and producer who appeared in numerous films during the 1930s and 1940s, including "My Man Godfrey" and "Topper Returns."

In the literary world, Gail Godwin (born 1937) is a renowned American novelist and short story writer, best known for her novels "A Mother and Two Daughters" and "Father Melancholy's Daughter."

In the realm of sports, Gail Devers (born 1966) is an American track and field athlete who has won multiple Olympic gold medals in the 100-meter sprint and the 100-meter hurdles.

Lastly, Gail Simone (born 1974) is an acclaimed American writer of comic books, known for her work on titles such as "Birds of Prey," "Wonder Woman," and "Batgirl."

While the name Gail has French roots, it has become a popular choice across various cultures and countries, appreciated for its melodic sound and positive connotations of liveliness and high spirits.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Gail was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Gail, please contact us.

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