Its source is a Gaelic expression meaning "A Celt." This term
was first used in English to designate the Highland Celts of
Scotland. Over time it has come to designate the Irish as well.
Long before it came into English, Gael was a self-descriptive
term used by Scots and Irish alike. The Scots term Gaidheal
probably evolved from the Irish goidel, and some authorities
trace this back to the Old Celtic word gwydd, meaning ''wild.''