Find out how popular the first name Cail has been for the last 13 years (from 2001 to 2013) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cail by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Cail is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2013, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Cail.

The history of the first name Cail

The name Cail is believed to have originated from the ancient Celtic language spoken in Ireland and parts of Scotland. It is derived from the word "caol," which means "slender" or "thin." The name likely emerged during the early medieval period, around the 5th to 8th centuries AD, when Celtic cultures flourished in the British Isles.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Cail can be found in Irish folklore and mythology. In the legendary tale "The Cattle Raid of Cooley," a character named Cail is mentioned as a warrior and ally of the famous Irish hero Cú Chulainn. This ancient epic is believed to have been composed between the 8th and 11th centuries, indicating the name's usage during that time.

During the Middle Ages, the name Cail appeared in various historical records and chronicles, particularly in Ireland and Scotland. One notable figure was Cail Crosach, a Scottish nobleman and warrior who lived in the 12th century and was instrumental in the Battle of Largs against the Norwegians in 1263.

In the 16th century, Cail O'Byrne was an Irish chieftain and leader of the O'Byrne clan, known for his resistance against the English Tudor conquest of Ireland. He was a prominent figure in the Gaelic Irish resistance movement during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Another historical figure bearing the name Cail was Cail Mac an Bhaird, a 17th-century Irish poet and scholar from County Donegal. He was renowned for his poetic works in the Irish language and is considered one of the last great representatives of the Gaelic bardic tradition.

In more recent times, Cail Bruich was a Scottish engineer and inventor who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is credited with several innovations in the field of steam engines and contributed significantly to the Industrial Revolution in Scotland.

While the name Cail has its roots in Celtic cultures, it has also been adopted and used in various other regions and communities around the world, particularly among those with Irish or Scottish heritage. However, its usage remains relatively uncommon compared to other traditional names from the same linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cail was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cail, please contact us.

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