Gayle is a unique and distinctive name of American origin. It was first introduced as a female given name in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. The name Gayle is believed to have been created by combining the elements "gai," meaning cheerful or bright, with the suffix "-le," which is often used to create diminutives or familiar forms of names.
The exact origin and intention behind the creation of the name Gayle are unclear, as it does not appear to be derived from any established given names or existing surnames. It is possible that Gayle was invented by parents who were looking for a distinctive and memorable name for their child. Alternatively, it may have been inspired by other names with similar sounds or meanings, such as Gail or Gale.
Despite its uncertain origins, the name Gayle has gained some popularity over the years. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Gayle has appeared on the list of the top 1000 most popular baby girl names for several decades, although it has never been particularly common. The name Gayle has also been used as a middle name or given to characters in literature and media.
Overall, Gayle is a unique and distinctive name with an unclear origin story but a charming and cheerful meaning. Its unconventional nature makes it stand out from more traditional names, while its bright and lively meaning gives it a pleasant and appealing quality.
The name Gayle has had varying levels of popularity over the years in the United States, according to the birth statistics provided. Here's a breakdown of its usage:
From 1898 to 1934, the number of births with the name Gayle was relatively low, ranging from 7 to 169 births per year. The most notable increases occurred between 1912 and 1934, indicating that during this period, the name began to gain some popularity.
The peak years for the name Gayle were from 1935 to 1948, with a significant increase in the number of births each year. The highest point was reached in 1936, with 181 births. This suggests that during this time, Gayle was considered an attractive choice for parents naming their daughters.
From 1949 onwards, the popularity of the name Gayle began to decline steadily. Between 1950 and 1972, there were between 9 and 42 births per year with the name Gayle. After 1973, the number of births continued to decrease, ranging from 7 to 16 births per year until 1989.
In total, according to the statistics provided, there have been 4951 births registered with the name Gayle in the United States since 1898. Despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, this number demonstrates that Gayle has remained a recurring choice for parents throughout several decades.