Gale

Gale is an English given name used for both males and females, with roots that are somewhat disputed. As a feminine name it likely developed as a short form of Abigail, a Hebrew name meaning my father is joy, while as a masculine name it may derive from the Old English word gal, meaning jovial or merry, or alternatively from a surname transferred to given-name use. The name gained broader popularity in the twentieth century, partly through cultural figures such as the American actress Gale Sondergaard. Related forms include Gael, Gayle, and Abigail.