The name Gaël is of Breton origin and means "calm" or "serene". It is a male given name that has been used in France for centuries, particularly in the Brittany region where it is believed to have originated.
The name is thought to have derived from the Breton word "gaol", which means calm or serene. It was likely first used as a personal name during the Middle Ages, although its exact origin and early usage are difficult to pinpoint with certainty.
Gaël has been popular in France for many generations, and it remains a commonly chosen name for boys today. Despite its Breton origins, it is now used throughout France and has also gained some popularity in other French-speaking countries such as Canada and Belgium.
While Gaël is typically associated with Brittany, there are no specific historical figures or legends connected to the name that can be definitively tied to its meaning or origin. Instead, parents who choose this name for their sons likely appreciate its unique sound, Breton heritage, and positive connotation of calmness and serenity.
The name Gael appears to have experienced several periods of popularity throughout the century and a half for which we have data, with peaks in the late 40s, mid 50s, early 70s, late 90s/early 2000s, and again more recently from 2012 onwards. Despite these fluctuations, Gael remains a uncommon name overall, with only 658 births recorded in total over this time period.