Cael
Primarily a boy's name of Irish origin with 3,652 recorded births. Also given to 13 girls.
Meaning & Origin
A male given name.
Cael is a boy's and girl's baby name of Irish origin, from the Gaelic Cael meaning 'slender' or referring to the mythological warrior Cael mac Crimthainn, who appears in Irish legend as a poet-warrior beloved of the fairy woman Créd. It has a crisp, lyrical Celtic sound.
EtymologyShow more
Cael is cataloged under the Irish naming tradition. Celtic names carry the echoes of ancient insular traditions, often drawing from nature, warfare, and mythology.
In the U.S., Cael has been recorded as a boy's name since 1989, with 3,652 total births. Browse the Irish names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Cael was #958 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #2369, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 234 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 1,527 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 1,828 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 55 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 8 | — |
The Story of Cael
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2011, Cael is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Cael are most likely born between 2001 and 2021.
How rare is Cael?
Only about 1 in every 61,017 babies born in 2024 was named Cael — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1989, peaked in the 2000s with 1,828 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Cael by the numbers
- Would fill 76 school buses
- Meeting one Cael per day would take 10 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(32 years, 1989–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 59 | #2369 |
| 2023 | 42 | #2955 |
| 2022 | 38 | #3160 |
| 2021 | 44 | #2827 |
| 2020 | 51 | #2514 |
| 2019 | 57 | #2370 |
| 2018 | 73 | #1994 |
| 2017 | 69 | #2036 |
| 2016 | 92 | #1695 |
| 2015 | 145 | #1248 |
| 2014 | 173 | #1102 |
| 2013 | 182 | #1052 |
| 2012 | 212 | #951 |
| 2011 | 272 | #805 |
| 2010 | 252 | #840 |
| 2009 | 270 | #817 |
| 2008 | 263 | #832 |
| 2007 | 214 | #925 |
| 2006 | 206 | #919 |
| 2005 | 215 | #854 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Cael as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Cael has also been given to 13 girls in the U.S. since 2007.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cael a boy's or girl's name?
When was Cael most popular?
How popular is the name Cael?
Can Cael be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1989–2024