Cathal

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Cathal is an Irish male name. It means 'mighty in battle.' Derived from the Gaelic elements cath "battle" and val "rule". The pronounication of the name may vary from region to region. It is a common misconception that Cathal is the irish form of Charles.

"But what's the Irish for Charles, as in King Charles? Searlas. When we go back to the Latin, they are two distinct names - Carolus and Cathaldus. Cathal is not the Irish for Charles; in fact many Cathals do not even use a different form when speaking English.

Charles is the name chosen as its English equivalent. They are different, but they can be confused."-Chris O'Mahony

Famous Cathals include;

• Cathal mac Áedo (d. 627), king of Munster
• Cathal Cú-cen-máthair (d. 665), king of Munster
• Cathal mac Muiredaig (d. 735), king of Connacht
• Cathal mac Finguine (d. 742), king of Munster
• Cathal mac Murchadh (d. 816), king of Uí Maine
• Cathal mac Conchobair (d. 925), king of Connacht
• Cathal mac Tadg (d. 973), king of Connacht
• Cathal Crobhdearg Ua Conchobair (d. 1224), king of Connacht
• Cathal mac Conchobair Ruadh Ua Conchobair (d. 1288), king of Connacht
• Cathal mac Domhnall Ua Conchobair (d. 1324), king of Connacht
• Cathal Óg Mac Maghnusa (d. 1498), main compiler of the Annals of Ulster
• Cathal Buí Mac Giolla Ghunna (d. 1756), poet
• Cathal Brugha (d. 1922), revolutionary

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