Girl · 327th of 12,526
Gale
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
32,330
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1957
Peak Popularity Year
1,364
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Gale stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Gale originates from Old English, meaning 'joy' or 'brightness.' It has evolved through historical forms such as Gāla and Gale. The name is associated with positive traits like joy and light. It does not have biblical relevance, and it gained popularity in the 19th century. Variants include Gail and Gaily, and it is viewed as a classic name with a cheerful image.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ɡeɪl/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Gale is derived from the Old English word 'geolu,' meaning 'yellow,' which is often associated with brightness or light. It can also be connected to the Old French word 'gale,' meaning 'joy' or 'rejoicing.'
Meaning
joy, brightness, or light
Language Evolution
Old English: Gāla, Middle English: Gale, Modern English: Gale
Historical Usage
The name Gale gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly as a given name in English-speaking countries. It has been used both as a masculine and feminine name.
Variants & Derivatives
Gail, Gaily, Galen
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Gale is perceived as a classic name that carries a sense of brightness and cheerfulness. It is less common than it was in previous decades but still maintains a vintage charm.
Famous People
Gale Sayers, American football player, Gale Harold, American actor, Gale Anne Hurd, American film producer
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,364 peak births in 1957
Geographic Spread
Popular across 49 US states, with strongest presence in Nebraska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 5 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 475th of 7545 | 2,629 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 360th of 6773 | 4,541 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 508th of 7552 | 4,144 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1264th of 10718 | 713 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4486th of 16616 | 170 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 13418th of 24088 | 43 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 8303rd of 23106 | 105 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1580th of 9107 | 458 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 510th of 9204 | 3,452 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 327th of 12526 | 14,040 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1146th of 19264 | 1,670 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 6194th of 27321 | 204 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 21432nd of 35406 | 33 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 20672nd of 30306 | 23 |