Find out how popular the first name Calihan has been for the last 6 years (from 2018 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Calihan by gender

Based on the last 6 years of data, Calihan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 90% of people named Calihan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 25 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Calihan.

The history of the first name Calihan

The given name Calihan is an ancient name with roots dating back to the Celtic tribes of ancient Britain and Ireland. It is derived from the Old Irish Gaelic word "calhain," which means "bright-headed" or "fair-haired." The name was likely given to children born with light-colored hair, which was seen as a sign of beauty and distinction among the Celts.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Calihan can be found in the Annals of Ulster, a chronicle of medieval Irish history. The annals mention a Calihan mac Áedáin, who was a prince of the Uí Néill dynasty in the 7th century AD. This suggests that the name was in use among the ruling classes of ancient Ireland.

In the 9th century, a monk named Calihan of Iona is mentioned in the Martyrology of Oengus the Culdee, a famous collection of hagiographies (saints' lives) from the Celtic church. This Calihan was revered as a saint, though little else is known about his life.

The name Calihan appears to have spread beyond Ireland and Britain during the Middle Ages. In the 12th century, a French nobleman named Calihan de Montfort is recorded as having participated in the Third Crusade to the Holy Land. This suggests that the name had gained some popularity among the Norman aristocracy of France.

During the Renaissance period, a prominent Italian artist named Calihan Della Robbia (1444-1501) became renowned for his sculptures and terra-cotta works. He was a member of the famous Della Robbia family of artists from Florence.

In more modern times, one of the most notable individuals with the name Calihan was Calihan MacLeod (1856-1935), a Scottish politician and Member of Parliament who served as the Lord Advocate of Scotland, the country's highest legal officer, from 1916 to 1920.

While the name Calihan has ancient roots and a rich history, it has become relatively uncommon in modern times, particularly outside of Ireland and Scotland. However, its Celtic origins and unique meaning have ensured that it remains a distinctive and intriguing name with a fascinating legacy.

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 Calihan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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