Gail is a female given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname "Gael," which means "foreigner" or "stranger." The name was originally used to refer to people who were not native to Scotland, particularly those from Ireland.
The name Gail has been in use since at least the 13th century, although its usage as a given name for females is more recent. It gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century and was among the top 1000 names for girls from the 1940s to the late 1980s.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Gail. One of the most famous is American actress Gail Patrick, who appeared in many films during the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s. Another well-known figure is Gail S. Kelly, who served as the chairperson and CEO of Bank of America from 2009 to 2015.
In literature, the name Gail has been used by several authors, including American novelist Gail Godwin and Canadian poet Gail Scott. These writers have helped to shape the literary landscape and contribute to the rich history of the name Gail.
While the meaning of the name Gail is straightforward - "foreigner" or "stranger" - it is important to note that its significance can vary depending on cultural context and personal interpretation. Some people may associate the name with its Scottish roots, while others might connect it with notable figures who have borne the name throughout history.
In conclusion, Gail is a female given name of Scottish origin that has been in use for centuries. With a straightforward meaning and a rich history, this name offers a unique choice for parents looking to name their daughters something distinctive yet approachable.
The name Gail experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. In its early decades (1881-1920), it had a moderate level of popularity, ranging from 5 to 217 births per year. However, starting from 1934, there was a substantial increase in its popularity, reaching a peak in 1946 with 6228 births. The name continued to be popular throughout the 1940s and 1950s, although there were some fluctuations. After 1959, its popularity began to decline steadily, dropping below 1000 births per year in 1973, and continuing to decrease until it reached a low of 13 births in 2022. Despite the decline in recent years, Gail was still given to at least some babies in every year from 1881 to 2023, indicating that it has maintained some level of popularity throughout its history.