All about the name

Gayl

Female

« The name Gayl is of Hebrew origin and means 'joyous.' »

#10203 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

The name Gayl is of Hebrew origin and means "joyous." It is a variant spelling of the name Gail, which itself is a short form of the name Gaiola or Gailla, both of which mean "joyful" in Hebrew. The name Gayl has been used since at least the 19th century, although it was not particularly common during that time. However, it gained some popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century, with over 1,000 girls being named Gayl between 1940 and 1960. One notable person with the name Gayl is Gayle King, an American television journalist who was born on December 28, 1955. She is best known for co-hosting the CBS morning show "CBS This Morning" from 2012 to 2021, and has also hosted her own interview program called "The Gayle King Show." Overall, while the name Gayl may not be particularly common today, it has a rich history dating back centuries and has been carried by notable individuals throughout its existence. Its meaning of "joyous" makes it a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Gayl since 1880

Total births
607
Total since 1880
Peak year
1952
43 births
in 1975
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years