Caryl is a unique and distinctive given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh male name Caradog, which is composed of the elements "caer" meaning "love" or "battle" and "dog" meaning "enemy." Thus, Caryl can be translated to mean "loving enemy" or "battle enemy."
The name Caryl has a rich history in Welsh mythology. Caradog was a legendary figure who played a significant role in the early Celtic lore of Wales. He was said to have been the son of King Meurig and the brother of Princess Nest, who is famous for her role in the tale of the Last Invasion of Wales.
Despite its masculine origins, Caryl has been used as a given name for both boys and girls in recent years. It is often spelled in various ways, such as Cariad, Caraline, or Caryllyn, to reflect the different meanings associated with the name's components.
In terms of popularity, Caryl is not one of the most common names in Wales or England. According to data from the United Kingdom's Office for National Statistics, only a handful of babies are given this name each year. However, it remains a distinctive and meaningful choice for parents looking for a unique name with a strong historical and cultural heritage.
Overall, Caryl is an interesting and uncommon given name with a rich history in Welsh mythology and culture. Its unique origins and meaning make it a compelling option for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The name Caryl saw a significant increase in popularity from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, with a peak of 190 births in 1947. However, there was a considerable decline thereafter, with only single-digit numbers of births per year from the early 1970s onwards. The total number of births registered as Caryl between 1896 and 1996 was 6347.