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Conal

Boy name · 120 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Conal: 120 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 12 births in 2005.

Conal is the Scottish and Irish form of the ancient Gaelic name Conall, derived from *cú* (hound or wolf) and *gal* (valour), giving it a meaning something like "strong as a wolf" or "wolf warrior." One of the most famous bearers is Conal Cearnach, a fearless warrior of the Red Branch in Ulster Cycle mythology, who was said to be a lifelong rival of Cú Chulainn. The name also appears in early Scottish history: a Saint Conal is remembered in the place-name Kilconquhar in Fife, with the first element meaning “cell” or “church”. Conal is frequently anglicised as Connell, and though less common than its Irish counterpart, it has a steady presence in Scotland as a distinctive, hardy choice with deep Celtic roots.