The name Gael is of Irish origin and it means "happy," "joyous," or "exuberant." It is derived from the Irish word "gaol" which means happiness or joy. The name has been popular in Ireland for centuries, but it gained international recognition through the works of Irish writer James Joyce.
Gael was first used as a given name in the 19th century. It was often used as a nickname or diminutive form of longer names such as Gaëlgeol (meaning "happy-hearted") and Gaëlbhrath ("joyous in honor"). Over time, Gael became a standalone given name in its own right.
In Irish literature, the name Gael is associated with several characters. In James Joyce's novel "Finnegans Wake," one of the main characters is named Shem the Penman, whose full name is Gaël na Sonna. In W.B. Yeats' poem "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," the speaker says he will arise and go to "Innisfree" where "peace comes dropping slow" - Innisfree being an island in Lough Gill named after the Irish word for peace, gaol.
Today, Gael is still a popular name in Ireland and has also gained popularity internationally. It is often chosen by parents who appreciate its meaning and Irish heritage. Despite its long history and cultural significance, Gael remains relatively rare compared to other names, making it unique and distinctive.
Gael seems to have experienced a significant surge in popularity as a given name starting around the year 2000, with a particularly notable spike from 2001 onwards. Prior to this period, the name's usage was quite sporadic and low, with only a handful of births recorded each year between 1919 and 1999. However, from 2000 onwards, there has been a consistent and dramatic increase in the number of Gael births, reaching over 3000 per year by 2018 and peaking at nearly 4000 births in both 2020 and 2021.