Boy · 1102nd of 23,106
Calum
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
3,188
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2022
Peak Popularity Year
303
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Calum stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Calum is a Scottish Gaelic name derived from 'Columba', meaning 'dove'. The name has evolved through various forms and gained prominence due to Saint Columba. It embodies traits of peace and gentleness, with no biblical relevance. Today, Calum is well-regarded in Scotland and associated with notable individuals.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkæl.əm/
Origin
Scottish Gaelic
Etymology
The name Calum is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name 'Columba', which means 'dove'. The name was popularized by Saint Columba, an Irish missionary who founded a monastery on the Scottish island of Iona.
Meaning
dove
Language Evolution
Columba, Calum, Callum
Historical Usage
The name Calum gained popularity in Scotland during the Middle Ages due to the reverence for Saint Columba. It remains a common name in Scotland today.
Variants & Derivatives
Callum, Colin, Columba
Modern Popularity & Image
Calum is viewed as a traditional yet modern name in Scotland, often associated with a gentle and peaceful demeanor due to its meaning of 'dove'.
Famous People
Calum Scott, Calum McSwiggan, Calum Chambers
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 303 peak births in 2022
Geographic Spread
Popular across 34 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
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 2 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
Full popularity table across American generations 4 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 10718th of 10718 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4053rd of 16616 | 198 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2337th of 24088 | 793 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1102nd of 23106 | 2,192 |