Gabriel is a throw back to the American Revolutionary period, a rennaisance for uniquely American culture including naming, so that makes sense. Original naming practices that erupted during and before this time period could be considered all-American. I think Americans have always traditionally used biblical names more than any other English-speaking country, and many virtue names originated in
America. Even the simple popular virtue names of today --
Faith,
Hope, and
Joy gained their popularity in
America. These practices started with the Puritan settlers who took a more literal minimalist approach to life and regected British fashion, which was reflected in their naming philosophies.