Athol is a unique and distinctive male given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "Àth", which means "ford". The name Athol is often associated with the Clan Chisholm, a prominent Highland clan in Scotland, who were known to have used this name.
The name Athol has a rich history dating back centuries. In medieval Scotland, it was not uncommon for families to name their children after geographical features or places of significance. The ford, or crossing point over a river, would have been an important and recognizable landmark, making the name Athol quite meaningful to its bearers.
Over time, Athol has evolved beyond its Scottish origins and can now be found in various forms around the world. Some variations of Athol include Athel, Atholl, and even Athollwood, a town in California named after an early settler with the surname Athol.
While Athol is not a particularly common name today, it remains a unique and interesting choice for parents looking to give their child a distinctive name with a rich history. The name's Scottish heritage lends it an air of nobility and tradition, while its uncommonness ensures that it will stand out from more popular choices.
The name Athol experienced fluctuations in popularity from 1904 to 1947, with the highest number of births occurring in 1921 and 1922 at ten each. The years 1912 to 1913, 1915 to 1916, and 1918 to 1919 also saw consistent numbers of babies named Athol, ranging from five to nine births per year. However, the name's popularity declined in the latter part of this period, with only five or six births recorded annually between 1923 and 1931. There was a significant gap in the data from 1932 to 1946 before one birth was recorded again in 1947. Overall, there were 136 babies named Athol during these years.