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Gail

♀ Girl

Pronounced GAYL /ˈɡeɪl/High

Meaning: A short form of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father rejoices; my father's joy'Low

In 30 seconds: My father rejoices: Gail shortens Abigail — 'my father rejoices'. Crisp, vintage, and warm.

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Origin MediumHebrew

MeaningA short form of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father rejoices; my father's joy'

U.S. rank (2025)#8535 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births12 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1951

Total births (all-time)≈ 201,742

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Gail is a short form of Abigail — from the Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father rejoices; my father's joy'. It became a popular name in its own right mid-century. A crisp, vintage name (said 'GAYL'; nickname Gigi).

In the U.S. it peaked in the 1940s-50s. Rare today, my-father-rejoices at the root, and vintage.

Did you know? Abigail means 'my father rejoices; my father's joy' in Hebrew — Gail is its crisp short form, vintage and friendly (said 'GAYL').

Overall data confidence 58%

Behind the Name — Gail — root etymology

Variations

GayleGaleAbigail

Nicknames

Gigi

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Gail…

Gale— a fellow spelling

Abigail— the root name

Faye— a sound-neighbor vintage one-syllable girls' name

Avigail— lands in the same popularity range

Abbigail— a fellow Hebrew choice

Explore names like Gail

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Gail mean?

Gail shortens Abigail — Hebrew 'my father rejoices; my father's joy'.

How do you pronounce Gail?

It's said GAYL /ˈɡeɪl/ — one syllable.

Is Gail a boy or girl name?

Gail is a girl's name.

How popular is Gail?

Gail is a rare name in the U.S. today.