Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Gael

Gael is a modern masculine name coined from the word Gael, a term used to describe a specific ethno-linguistic group of people descended from the Celtic tribes (the others being the Picts and the Brythons). Gael comes from the ancient Gaelic word “Goídel” meaning “Irishman”. The Gaelic people and language are now primarily restricted to Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Scottish Highlands (northwestern Scotland). The Scottish-Picts are now extinct, and the Brythonic descendents are concentrated in Wales, Cornwall and Brittany today. Therefore, the Gaelic people are most commonly associated with the Irish, but the Gaelic language is also spoken in parts of Scotland and the Isle of Man. In the Welsh language (a Celtic language but a different branch than Gaelic), Gael is believed to come from Gwynhael, an ancient name meaning “blessed and generous”. The use of the name Gael for little boys appears to be inspired by Irish-pride. It’s similar to naming a son Scott (for Scotland), Brett (for Breton) and Erin (for Ireland). Gaël is also a masculine name used in France (although there remains a Celtic stronghold in the northwest of France), and Gael is used among Spanish speakers (not coincidentally, evidence of early Celtic people who were ancestors to the Gaelic people has been recovered on the Iberian Peninsula). In today’s world, only a little more than 200,000 people speak Gaelic as their native tongue (while almost two million have a “working knowledge” of the language). In the United States, about 25,000 people know Gaelic but they tend to be concentrated in areas where the Irish-American community has remained strong (Boston, Chicago, New York City and San Francisco).

All About the Baby Name – Gael

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME GAEL

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME GAEL

Gael first appeared on the male naming charts in the United States in 2002, so this is a pretty new name for Americans. What’s remarkable is that the sudden interest in this name is owed to Hispanic-Americans rather than Irish-Americans. It’s no coincidence that Gael’s quick ascent on the charts was instigated by the growing popularity of a very handsome Mexican actor named Gael García Bernal. It was his 2001 film “Y Tu Mamá También” that garnered him international notice – and after the movie’s 2002 release to American audiences, his name suddenly appeared on the U.S. male naming charts. Then 2004’s “The Motorcycle Diaries” sealed the deal for this talented actor and the success of his name. Usage of Gael has declined a bit in the past couple of years, yet in the barely 10 years of its existence, the name has done remarkably well nonetheless. Because of the similar sounding female names Gayle and Gail, Gael is not a super masculine choice for a little boy. But it is loaded with meaning and interest, particularly for parents of Gaelic descent who take pride in their heritage. It’s a cool idea and we give it two enthusiastic thumbs up for creativity and originality.

Quick Facts

ON GAEL

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Celtic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

176

PRONUNCIATION:

GALE; guy-EL

SIMPLE MEANING:

Gaelic, Irishman

Characteristics

OF GAEL

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Gael

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME GAEL

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Gael

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME GAEL

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Gael


Popular Songs

ON GAEL

The Gael
a song by Cruachan

Famous People

NAMED GAEL

Gael García Bernal (Mexican actor/filmmaker)
Gaël Monfils (French tennis player)
Gael Baudino (author)
Gael Turnbull (Scottish poet)
Gael Greene (restaurant critic and author)
Gaël Morel (French film director)

Children of Famous People

NAMED GAEL

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Gael

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME GAEL

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Gael