Meaning and history
Athol is a Scottish given name transferred from Atholl, the name of a historic district in the central Highlands. The Gaelic place name Athall has an uncertain deeper etymology, so confident translations are inappropriate. The title Duke of Atholl gave the place name aristocratic historical prominence. Notable bearers include South African playwright Athol Fugard, known for works opposing apartheid, and Australian actor Athol Guy, a member of the folk group the Seekers.