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Cale

Boy name · 10 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Cale: 10 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 4 births in 2010.

A short and punchy name of Scottish origin, Cale is a variant of the Gaelic *Caol*, meaning "slender" or "narrow," and is often linked to the strait of water known as a kyle. It may also derive from the Gaelic *caladh*, meaning "harbour" or "port," or from the Irish *Cathal*, meaning "battle rule." While less common than the similar Cole or Kale, its most famous bearer is the accomplished American actor and rapper Cale Tyson, though you might also recognise the surname of legendary American musician John Cale. The name shares its root with the Kyles of Bute, a scenic stretch of water on Scotland’s west coast, and also recalls the traditional Norse name Kali. As a crisp, modern-feeling choice, Cale offers a fresh alternative to more prevalent one-syllable names.

Boy 3 of 52 years

Peak year
20104 babies
Latest (2010)
#5484 babies
Total births
10since 2000
5-year trend
≈ stablevs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2010 · 4
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).