Gale

♂ Boy

Pronounced GAYL /ˈɡeɪl/High

Meaning: From an English surname/word, variously 'cheerful; merry' (from Old English gal), 'a stranger; a foreigner', and the weather word gale ('a strong wind'); used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Cheerful; a stranger; a gale of wind: Gale is an English name. Crisp, vintage, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys; said 'GAYL').

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningFrom an English surname/word, variously 'cheerful; merry' (from Old English gal), 'a stranger; a foreigner', and the weather word gale ('a strong wind'); used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#6562 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births13 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1947

Total births (all-time)≈ 12,424

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

Gale comes from an English surname/word — variously 'cheerful; merry' (from Old English gal), 'a stranger; a foreigner', and the weather word gale, 'a strong wind' (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, vintage name, used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished).

In the U.S. it peaked mid-century. Rare today, cheerful-or-a-stranger at the root, and vintage.

Did you know? Gale is variously 'cheerful; merry' (Old English gal), 'a stranger; a foreigner', and the weather word for 'a strong wind' — a crisp, vintage name, used for both sexes (here for boys; the routes are layered; said 'GAYL').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Gale — routes layered

Variations

GailGayleGael

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Gale…

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Dale— a fellow short nature/word boys' name

Cole— another short boys' name

Kole— lands in the same popularity range

Steele— a similarly popular pick

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Gale mean?

Gale is variously 'cheerful' (Old English), 'a stranger', and the weather word 'a strong wind'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Gale?

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

Is Gale a boy or girl name?

Gale is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Gale?

Gale is a rare name for boys in the U.S. today.