Find out how popular the first name Calhoun has been for the last 31 years (from 1993 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Calhoun by gender

Based on the last 31 years of data, Calhoun is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Calhoun.

The history of the first name Calhoun

The name Calhoun has its roots in the Scottish Gaelic language and can be traced back to the medieval period in Scotland. It is derived from the Gaelic words "call" meaning "hazel" and "abhann" meaning "river" or "stream." The original form of the name was "Cailleabhain," which evolved into various spellings like "Colhoune" and "Calhoun."

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Calhoun can be found in the ancient Scottish clan system, where it referred to a branch of the Clan Colquhoun. The Clan Colquhoun was a prominent family in the region of Loch Lomond and played a significant role in Scottish history.

In the 16th century, the name Calhoun appeared in historical records related to the Clan Colquhoun's involvement in various conflicts and battles. One notable figure was Sir John Colquhoun of Luss (1570-1617), who was a prominent leader of the clan during the turbulent times of the Scottish Reformation.

As the name spread beyond Scotland, it gained recognition in other parts of the world. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Calhoun in North America was John Calhoun (1682-1717), who was born in Ireland and later immigrated to Pennsylvania.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the first name Calhoun. Here are five examples:

1. John C. Calhoun (1782-1850): An American statesman and political theorist who served as the 7th Vice President of the United States under John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson.

2. William Lowndes Calhoun (1837-1909): A lawyer and politician from South Carolina who served as a United States Senator and a member of the Confederate Congress during the American Civil War.

3. Calhoun Colhoun (1918-2011): An American actor and singer who appeared in films and television shows during the mid-20th century.

4. Calhoun Gilmore (1858-1928): A Scottish-born American architect known for designing several prominent buildings in New York City, including the Cunningham Palace and the Bank of America building.

5. Calhoun Davis Geiger (1835-1919): A Confederate officer during the American Civil War who later became a prominent businessman and philanthropist in South Carolina.

The name Calhoun has a rich history rooted in Scottish heritage, and its usage has spread across various cultures and regions over the centuries, with numerous individuals bearing this name and leaving their mark on history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Calhoun was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Calhoun, please contact us.

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