Find out how popular the first name Callah has been for the last 21 years (from 2004 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.
An anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic feminine name Cailleach meaning "veiled one".
Based on the last 21 years of data, Callah is exclusively a female name.
For the most recent data in 2024, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Callah.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
2024 | 0 | 8 |
2023 | 0 | 12 |
2022 | 0 | 7 |
2004 | 0 | 5 |
The name Callah is believed to have its origins in the ancient Celtic language, dating back to the 5th century BCE. It is thought to be derived from the Proto-Celtic word "callios," which means "beautiful" or "fair." The name was initially popular among the Celtic tribes inhabiting the British Isles and parts of continental Europe.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Callah can be found in the Annals of Ulster, an ancient Irish chronicle that dates back to the 15th century CE. The text mentions a woman named Callah ingen Áeda, who lived in the late 7th century and was the daughter of the High King of Ireland, Áed Allán.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Callah. One such example is Callah Bhán, a renowned Irish harpist who lived in the 16th century and was known for his exceptional musical talents. Another notable figure is Callah Ní Dhubhthaigh, a 17th-century Irish noblewoman and landowner who played a significant role in preserving Irish culture during the tumultuous period of English colonization.
In the 18th century, Callah Nic Griogair, a Scottish Gaelic poet, gained recognition for her poignant works that celebrated the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and the struggles of her people. Her poetry remains an important part of the Scottish literary canon.
Moving into the 19th century, Callah MacDonald, a Scottish-Canadian journalist and activist, made a name for herself as a vocal advocate for women's rights and social justice. She played a pivotal role in the early feminist movement in Canada.
Another noteworthy individual with the name Callah is Callah O'Brien, an Irish-American labor organizer and activist who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She fought tirelessly for the rights of workers, particularly in the textile industry, and her efforts contributed to significant improvements in labor conditions.
Although the name Callah has Celtic roots and was more prevalent in ancient times, it has maintained a presence throughout history, with individuals bearing this name leaving their mark in various fields, including literature, music, politics, and social activism.
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 Callah was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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"Callah first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 16, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/callah-meaning-and-history/.
"Callah first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/callah-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 16 July, 2025
Callah first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/callah-meaning-and-history/.
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