Athol – Name Meaning
The name Athol is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic words “ath” meaning “ford” and “dubh” meaning “black”. The name was originally used to refer to a place in Scotland where there was a ford across a river. It has since become a popular given name in many countries, including the United States.
Symbolism
The name Athol is associated with strength and courage. It symbolizes someone who is brave and determined, willing to take risks and face challenges head-on. It also suggests that the bearer of this name is an independent thinker who is not afraid to stand up for what they believe in.
Popularity
Athol has been steadily gaining popularity as a given name over the past few decades. In the United States, it ranked at #1,845 on the Social Security Administration’s list of most popular baby names in 2019. This makes it one of the more uncommon names, but still relatively popular.
Famous People Named Athol
There are several famous people who have been given the name Athol, including:
- Athol Fugard – South African playwright and actor
- Athol Guy – Australian musician and founding member of The Seekers
- Athol Murray – Canadian Catholic priest and educator
- Athol Oakley – Australian artist and illustrator
Variations of the Name
The name Athol can be shortened to Atha or Tholly, or it can be spelled differently such as Atholl or Athole. There are also variations of the name in other languages such as Adal (German), Ataulfo (Spanish), and Attila (Hungarian).
