Find out how popular the first name Gaela has been for the last 2 years (from 2022 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gaela by gender

Based on the last 2 years of data, Gaela is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Gaela.

The history of the first name Gaela

The name Gaela is believed to have originated from the ancient Celtic languages, particularly Irish and Scottish Gaelic. It is thought to be derived from the Old Irish word "gáel," which means "foreigner" or "outsider." The name's roots can be traced back to the early medieval period, around the 5th to 10th centuries AD.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Gaela can be found in the Annals of Ulster, an ancient Irish chronicle dating back to the 15th century. This text mentions a woman named Gaela, who was the daughter of a chieftain from the northern part of Ireland. However, the exact details surrounding her life and the context in which her name was mentioned are not entirely clear.

In the 16th century, a Scottish noblewoman named Gaela Douglas was known for her involvement in the Scottish Reformation. Born in 1515, she played a significant role in promoting Protestantism and supporting the efforts of the reformer John Knox. Gaela Douglas's influence extended beyond religious matters, as she was also a prominent figure in the political landscape of her time.

Another notable individual with the name Gaela was an Irish poet and harpist who lived in the 18th century. Gaela Ní Dhubhthaigh, born in 1715, was renowned for her compositions and her mastery of the traditional Irish harp. Her works were widely celebrated and contributed to the preservation of Irish cultural heritage during a period of significant social and political upheaval.

In the 19th century, Gaela O'Connell, born in 1830, was a prominent Irish nationalist and activist. She was a member of the Young Ireland movement, which advocated for Irish independence from British rule. Gaela O'Connell was known for her passionate speeches and her unwavering commitment to the cause of Irish freedom.

Another notable figure with the name Gaela was Gaela Tufano, an Italian artist and sculptor who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1875, Tufano's works were celebrated for their intricate details and their ability to capture the essence of human emotion. Her sculptures adorned many public spaces and galleries throughout Italy.

While the name Gaela has its origins in ancient Celtic cultures, it has been adopted and used in various parts of the world throughout history. Each individual with this name has contributed to the richness and diversity of its legacy, making it a name steeped in cultural significance and historical importance.

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 Gaela was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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