Gael

♀ Girl

Pronounced GAYL /ˈɡeɪl/Medium

Meaning: A name from 'Gael' (a Gaelic-speaking Celt of Ireland/Scotland); popular in Spanish-speaking countries as a boy's name. Usually a boy's name; used here for a girl, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A short Celtic name: Gael means 'a Gael, Gaelic Celt' (said 'GAYL'). Usually a boy's name — we note the lean.

💕 Browse more names

Origin MediumIrish, Spanish

MeaningA name from 'Gael' (a Gaelic-speaking Celt of Ireland/Scotland); popular in Spanish-speaking countries as a boy's name. Usually a boy's name; used here for a girl, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#12564 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1947

Total births (all-time)≈ 667

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Gael names a Gaelic-speaking Celt and is a common boys' name in the Spanish-speaking world. As a girl's name it is rare and unisex-modern in feel; more often a boy's, which we note (said 'GAYL').

For girls it appears only rarely in the U.S. Rare for girls, Celtic, and crisp.

Did you know? Gael refers to a Gaelic-speaking Celt and is a popular boys' name in Spanish-speaking countries — used here for a girl, which we note.

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Gael — 'Gaelic Celt'; popular boy's name in Spanish; boy-leaning

Variations

GaëlGaleGaelle

Nicknames

GaeyElle

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Gael…

Gale— the near-homophone name

Abigail— a like -gail sound name

Gaia— a like short earthy pick

Noel— a like short unisex name

Explore names like Gael

By themeshort cross-sex celtic boy-leaning

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Gael mean?

Gael refers to a Gaelic-speaking Celt of Ireland and Scotland.

How do you pronounce Gael?

It's said GAYL /ˈɡeɪl/ — one syllable.

Is Gael a boy or girl name?

Gael is usually a boy's name; it's used here for a girl, which we note.

How popular is Gael?

Gael is very rare for girls in the U.S. and more common for boys.