Cathal
Meaning: Battle ruler
Origin: Irish/Gaelic
Gender: Boy
Rank in Ireland: #57
Total births: 8,352
History: Cathal is a strong Irish name meaning 'battle-ruler,' borne by Cathal Brugha, the first Ceann Comhairle of Dail Eireann and anti-Treaty fighter killed during the Civil War. The name is deeply rooted in Gaelic chieftain traditions and remains popular across the west of Ireland.
Explore more at Irish Baby Names on BabyNa.me
Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Ireland’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #90 |
| Babies named Cathal in 2025 | 64 |
| Total recorded in Ireland | 8,352 |
| Peak year | 1997 (243 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #31 |
| Years in records | 1964–2025 (62 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 22 spots |
Frequently asked about Cathal
What does the name Cathal mean?
Cathal means “Battle ruler” from Irish/Gaelic roots.
What is the origin of the name Cathal?
Cathal has Irish/Gaelic origin. The traditional meaning is “Battle ruler”.
How popular is Cathal in Ireland?
Cathal ranked #90 in Ireland in 2025 — given to 64 babies that year.
When was Cathal most popular?
Cathal peaked in 1997 with 243 babies registered that year in Ireland.
Is Cathal a boy or girl name?
Cathal is predominantly a boys' name in Ireland — over 90% of Cathals in registered births are male.
Is the name Cathal rising or falling in popularity?
Cathal has fallen 22 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Ireland — from #68 in 2020 to #90 in 2025.
How long has Cathal been recorded in Ireland?
Cathal appears in birth records in Ireland across 62 years — from 1964 through 2025.