Athol is a masculine given name derived from Atholl, a district in the Scottish Highlands. The name Atholl itself is Scottish Gaelic in origin, possibly from Ath Fhotla, meaning "new Ireland" (ath "new" + Fhotla, an ancient name for Ireland). The district of Atholl has a rich history as a Pictish kingdom and later a earldom, but the name Athol as a given name gained popularity likely due to its geographic association with the Highlands. Notable Bearers Notable individuals named Athol include: Athol Fugard (1932–2025), the influential South African playwright, novelist, actor, and director; Athol Guy (born 1940), a member of the Australian pop group The Seekers; and Athol Murray (1892–1975), a Canadian priest and educator. Other bearers range from athletes and politicians to journalists, reflecting the name's primarily masculine usage in English-speaking countries with Scottish heritage. Cultural Significance While Athol is not among the most common given names, it carries a sense of Scottish identity. The associated place name Atholl appears historically in titles like the Duke of Atholl, and at times the name Athol has been used as an adoptive surname based on location.