Meaning:
Its source is an English expression meaning "Storm."
Popularity:
The name Gayle ranked 1130th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.
Though this name appears on the 1990 U.S. Census lists, it is used by only a small percentage of the general population.
Narrative:
Some authorities believe the male version of this name comes from Gael (a term for an Irishman). Others believe it is a short form of Galen. The female version of the name is generally considered a short form of Abigail.