Word Origin and History for Gail. fem. proper name, in some cases short for Abigail, or from the Hebrew root in that name meaning "rejoicing." Attained its greatest popularity in U.S. as a given name for girls born c.1945-1955.
Gale Name Meaning. English: nickname for a cheerful or boisterous person, from Middle English ga(i)le 'jovial', 'rowdy', from Old English gal 'light', 'pleasant', 'merry', which was reinforced in Middle English by Old French gail.
