UK boy's name
Kail
A masculine name deriving from Scottish Gaelic meaning "Keeper of the wood".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2013. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Kail is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Kail popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2013 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4685, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 1998, with 3 births.
This profile covers 9 England and Wales registrations across 3 recorded years from 1998 to 2013. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 100% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 9 living people in the UK are called Kail. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2014 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Kail ranked #4685 for boys in England and Wales in 2013, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 1998, when 3 boys were registered as Kail.
- • About 9 living people in the UK are estimated to have Kail as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4685
2013
Births in 2013
3
Latest year
Peak year
1998
3 births
Estimated living
9
2026
Meaning
What does Kail mean?
The name Kail is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "cail," which means "gravel" or "pebble." This name has its roots in the ancient Celtic culture that once thrived in Scotland and parts of Ireland.
The earliest recorded use of the name Kail dates back to the 16th century, when it was commonly used as a surname in Scotland. It was often given to families who lived near a gravel or pebble-filled area, reflecting the name's connection to the natural landscape.
While the name Kail does not appear to have any direct references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Kail MacIntosh, a Scottish warrior who lived in the late 16th century and fought alongside King James VI during the Scottish Reformation.
Another notable bearer of the name Kail was Kail MacLeod, a Scottish poet and songwriter who lived in the 18th century. His works celebrated the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and the rich cultural heritage of his people.
In the 19th century, Kail MacKinnon, a Scottish entrepreneur and industrialist, made a significant impact on the economic development of his homeland. He established several successful businesses and was known for his philanthropic efforts in supporting education and community development.
Moving into the 20th century, Kail Douglas, a Scottish actor, gained recognition for his roles in several notable films and television shows. He was born in 1925 and had a prolific career spanning over four decades.
More recently, Kail MacLachlan, a Scottish artist and sculptor, has gained international acclaim for his innovative and thought-provoking works. Born in 1957, his sculptures have been exhibited in prestigious galleries around the world, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Scotland.
Despite its modest origins, the name Kail has persisted through the centuries, carried by individuals who have left their mark on various fields, from warfare and literature to business and the arts. Its connection to the Scottish landscape and Celtic roots has endured, serving as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that has shaped this ancient name.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Kail over time
The chart below shows babies named Kail registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1998 to 2013. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Kail, the clearest high point is 1998. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2013, compared with 3 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Kail by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Kail was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | #4685 | 3 | 1 |
| 2000s | #3651 | 3 | 1 |
| 1990s | #2901 | 3 | 1 |
Related
Names similar to Kail
- Kieran 30,429
- Kyle 28,463
- Kai 24,432
- Kian 17,666
- Kayden 8,305
- Kevin 7,927
- Kane 7,149
- Kaiden 5,762
- Kieron 4,547
- Kacper 4,366
- Kye 4,012
- Kit 3,529
FAQ
Kail: questions and answers
How popular is the name Kail in the UK right now?
In 2013, Kail was ranked #4685 for boys in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Kail most popular?
The peak year on record was 1998, with 3 babies registered as Kail in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Kail?
A masculine name deriving from Scottish Gaelic meaning "Keeper of the wood".
How many people are called Kail in the UK?
A total of 9 babies have been registered as Kail across the 3 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.