Gail
Gail began as a short form of Abigail, the Hebrew "Avigayil" meaning "my father's joy." The short form Gail emerged in mid-20th-century America as a standalone name. There is also a separate Old English word "gale" meaning cheerful or merry, which may have contributed to the name's appeal. Gail was a top-100 American name from 1940 to 1965, peaking at #45 in 1955. The peak was so concentrated that Gail now reads as definitively mid-century. Gail Simone (born 1974), the comic book writer known for "Birds of Prey" and "Wonder Woman," is one of the most respected writers in the industry. Gail (the variant Gale) was also the name of Dorothy Gale's surname in "The Wizard of Oz." I find Gail slightly plain — the single syllable gives it a brisk quality, but the "G" opening is firm and the "l" ending is gentle. The name has been outside the US top 1000 since 2005 and is unlikely to return soon. But it has a friendly, mid-century accessibility that may cycle back when 1950s naming fashions return. Gail is a female name of Hebrew / English origin that means "My father rejoices (from Abigail)". Mid-century, brisk, and friendly. The name sounds approachable. Gails tend to be direct. US peaked #45 in 1955. Outside top 1000 since 2005. Well-known people named Gail include Gail Simone (comic book writer), Gail (variant spelling), Gail Godwin (author), Gail (mid-century common). Common variations and related forms of Gail include Gale (variant), Gayle (variant), Abigail (root name), Gaile (variant).