Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Gail

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Joy of the Father

      Variations

      Gaille, Bygailas, Abagail
      The name Gail has its origins in the English language and is derived from the word gaile, meaning joy of the father. The name emerged during medieval times and gained popularity as a feminine given name in the 19th and 20th centuries. It has remained a relatively common name throughout history and continues to be used in modern times.

      In medieval England, names were often chosen based on their literal meanings, reflecting certain qualities or aspirations. The name Gail, with its meaning of joy of the father, likely conveyed a sense of happiness and fulfillment brought by a child in a family. Over the years, the name has evolved and adapted to contemporary naming trends, gaining considerable popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries. During this period, it became a preferred name for girls, often seen as a variant of the name Abigail or a standalone name.

      In present-day usage, the name Gail is still commonly encountered. While its popularity may have declined compared to its peak in the mid-20th century, it remains a name that parents choose for their daughters. It is often seen as a simple and classic name, conveying a sense of friendliness and approachability. While its origins may have been rooted in medieval England, the name Gail has withstood the test of time and continues to be embraced by parents seeking a timeless and meaningful name for their child.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Gail.
      Robert

      Robert

      This is the most common name of those married to a Gail.
      Michael

      Michael

      This is the most common name for a child of a Gail.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1947 is when there were the most people born with the first name Gail.

      Explore the origins of another name.