Cathal
Meaning: Battle ruler
Origin: Irish/Gaelic
Gender: Boy
Rank in United Kingdom: #3076
Total births: 144
History: Cathal carries a warmth familiar to families throughout Britain. It evokes the green hills of Wales and the stirring sound of a Welsh choir. Modern British parents continue to embrace this name with great affection.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from the United Kingdom’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2022) | #3449 |
| Babies named Cathal in 2022 | 5 |
| Total recorded in the United Kingdom | 144 |
| Peak year | 1997 (19 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #809 |
| Years in records | 1996–2022 (23 years of data) |
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 the United Kingdom?
Cathal ranked #3449 in the United Kingdom in 2022 — given to 5 babies that year.
When was Cathal most popular?
Cathal peaked in 1997 with 19 babies registered that year in the United Kingdom.
Is Cathal a boy or girl name?
Cathal is predominantly a boys' name in the United Kingdom — over 90% of Cathals in registered births are male.
How long has Cathal been recorded in the United Kingdom?
Cathal appears in birth records in the United Kingdom across 23 years — from 1996 through 2022.