Callum Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Callum is a name of Scottish Gaelic origin that means 'dove'. It evolved from the Latin 'columba' to 'Calum' in Gaelic and eventually became 'Callum' in modern English. The name is often associated with traits of peace and gentleness. There is no biblical relevance tied to the name, but it has been popular in Scotland since the medieval period.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Callum"
Pronunciation
/ˈkæləm/
Origin
Scottish Gaelic
Etymology
The name Callum is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name 'Calum', which itself comes from the Latin word 'columba', meaning 'dove'.
Meaning
dove
Language Evolution
Columba (Latin), Calum (Scottish Gaelic), Callum (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Callum gained popularity in Scotland during the medieval period and has remained a common name in Scottish culture.
Variants & Derivatives
Calum, Colm, Columba
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Callum is viewed as a friendly and approachable name, often associated with warmth and kindness.
Famous People
Callum Hudson-Odoi, English footballer, Callum McGregor, Scottish footballer, Callum Keith Rennie, Canadian actor
📊 Callum Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Callum Name Visualizations
✨ Callum Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,263 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Callum"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Callum"
"Callum" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3293rd of 16616 | 269 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1133rd of 24088 | 2,299 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 375th of 23106 | 10,478 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 18924th of 30306 | 30 |
Regional Popularity of "Callum" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
61.30% 2259th/3685 |
63.49% 2841st/4475 |
- |
44.56% 2815th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
25.36% 1162nd/4582 |
17.76% 917th/5164 |
19.57% 1431st/7313 |
13.19% 984th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
8.03% 320th/3984 |
7.24% 325th/4487 |
6.46% 441st/6822 |
5.86% 368th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Callum" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Callum"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Callum" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Callum" in the United States
The name Callum is most popular in Utah, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Callum has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, too falling for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Callum' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3293rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1133rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 375th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 18924th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Callum' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.