My research shows that "Gayle" is derived from the Old English spelling for "gaily", meaning "happy", as is the spelling, "Gail". Spelled "Gael", it refers to the Gaels, who were originally an Irish tribe who have subsequently spread to Scotland and the Isle of Man, and appear to be the originators of the Gaelic language. Spelled "Gale", it is simply an English synonym for "wind storm".