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Gayle

Girl name · 1,243 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Gayle: 1,243 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 118 births in 1975.

Gayle first emerged as a feminine variant of Gail, itself a short form of Abigail from the Hebrew *Avigayil*, meaning “father’s joy” or “my father rejoices.” It can also trace back to an Old English word for “light” or “joyful,” or to the Old Norse *gala* (“to sing”). Notable bearers include the American television journalist Gayle King, the Hall of Fame footballer Gayle Sayers, and actress Gayle Hunnicutt. While no major place is named directly after these individuals, the root *gāl* appears in English place names like Gayle in North Yorkshire. The spelling Gayle enjoyed a mid-20th-century peak in English-speaking countries, with fellow variants Gail and Gale also common. Though less frequent today, it retains a cheerful, vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking a name with a bright, musical feel.