Cathal
/ˈkɑː.həl/noun
Cathal is a traditional Irish masculine given name.
Did you know?Cathal was borne by several medieval Irish kings and saints, including Cathal mac Finguine, a powerful eighth-century king of Munster.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Celtic
Proto-Celtic
*katu-walos
“A compound interpreted as “battle-ruler” or “battle-power”; the reconstruction is not completely certain.”
Old Irish
Old Irish
Cathal
“A masculine personal name, traditionally analyzed from cath, “battle,” and a second element associated with rule or strength.”
Medieval Irish
Irish
Cathal
“A common royal and aristocratic given name, especially associated with Munster dynasties.”
12th–16th Century
Irish
Cathal
“A hereditary Irish personal name preserved in native Gaelic naming traditions.”
Modern English
English
Cathal
“An Irish masculine given name, usually pronounced approximately “KAH-həl.””