Caelan is a name of Irish origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Irish surname "O'Cathail," which means "descendant of Cathal." Cathal, in turn, comes from the Irish word for "battle" or "strong."
The name Caelan is believed to have originated as a surname first, before being adopted as a given name. It is thought that the O'Cathail clan was one of the most powerful and influential families in ancient Ireland, with their territory centered around County Kerry.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Caelan or its variants. One example is Cathal mac Finguine, who ruled over the Kingdom of Connacht in the 6th century. He was known for his military prowess and political acumen, which may have contributed to the meaning associated with his name.
Today, Caelan is often used as a boy's name but can also be given to girls. It has become particularly popular in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Despite its Irish origins, it has also gained popularity in other parts of Europe and even in some South American nations.
In recent times, celebrities have chosen this name for their children, further increasing its visibility and popularity. One example is actor Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky, who named their son Caelan in 2014.
Overall, the name Caelan carries with it a rich history rooted in ancient Irish culture and mythology. Its strong and powerful meaning has contributed to its growing popularity as a given name for both boys and girls around the world.
Statistics on the given name Caelan show a varied trend over time in the United States.
The birth counts start relatively low, with only 35 babies named Caelan born in 1992. However, there was a notable increase in the following years, reaching a peak of 110 births in 1997 and another peak of 135 births in 2001.
From 2003 onwards, the number of babies named Caelan began to decline steadily. There were 76 births in 2003, and this decreased further to 47 births in 2020. Despite this downward trend, there has been a slight uptick in recent years, with 56 births in both 2018 and 2021, and 61 births in 2022.
Overall, the total number of babies named Caelan born in the United States from 1992 to 2023 is 2390. This shows that while the name's popularity has fluctuated over time, it remains a choice for parents across multiple decades.