The name Calder is of English origin, derived from the Old English words "cald" meaning "cold" and "er" meaning "dweller", thus referring to someone who lived in a cold or exposed place. This name first emerged in the Middle Ages, around the 11th or 12th century, in the northern regions of England, particularly in areas like Yorkshire and Lancashire.

One of the earliest recorded instances of this name dates back to the 13th century, when a certain Calder de Beuerl was mentioned in the Assize Rolls of Yorkshire in 1219. The name also appeared in various medieval records and charters from that period, indicating its usage among the English population.

In the 16th century, the name gained some prominence with the Scottish mathematician and philosopher John Calder (1533-1592), who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics and was instrumental in the adoption of the decimal point notation in arithmetic.

Another notable figure bearing this name was Sir Robert Calder (1745-1818), a British naval officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars. He is particularly remembered for his role in the Battle of Cape Finisterre in 1805, where he led the British fleet against the combined French and Spanish naval forces.

In the realm of literature, the name Calder is associated with the Scottish poet and novelist James Calder (1824-1884), whose works explored themes of rural Scottish life and the struggles of the working class.

The 20th century saw the rise of the American sculptor Alexander Calder (1898-1976), renowned for his innovative kinetic sculptures and mobiles. His unique artistic style and contributions to modern art have made him one of the most celebrated artists of his time.

Lastly, the name Calder also gained recognition in the field of astronomy with the British astronomer Nigel Calder (1931-2014), who made significant contributions to the understanding of black holes and the evolution of the universe through his popular science writings and television programs.