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 given statistics illustrate the number of births with the name Athol in the United States from 1904 to 1947. Over this period, there were a total of 136 babies named Athol.
The name Athol appears to have been somewhat popular during the early 20th century, with the highest number of births occurring in 1922, when ten babies were named Athol. This was followed by another peak in 1917 and 1919, each with nine births.
However, it seems that the name's popularity declined over time, as there were no recorded births with the name Athol after 1931 for nearly two decades until one birth occurred again in 1947. This suggests a shift in naming trends and preferences during this period.
Overall, while Athol was not one of the most popular names in the United States during this time, it did have some periods of relative popularity, particularly during the early to mid-1920s.