Find out how popular the first name Callan has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Callan by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Callan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 85% of people named Callan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 983 male babies and 59 female babies born with the name Callan.

The history of the first name Callan

The given name Callan has its origins in the Gaelic language, tracing back to ancient Celtic cultures in Ireland and Scotland. It is believed to be derived from the old Irish word "callan," which means "young boy" or "lad." The name was likely used as a descriptive term for a young male child before evolving into a proper given name.

Callan has been in use as a personal name for centuries, with early records dating back to the Middle Ages in Ireland. The name appears in several ancient Irish manuscripts and historical records, suggesting its widespread use among Celtic populations during that time period.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Callan was an Irish poet and historian who lived in the 12th century. Known as Callan Bán Ó Maoilchonaire, he was a prominent figure in the literary and scholarly circles of his time and is credited with several works on Irish history and genealogy.

In the 16th century, Callan was the name of a notable Irish chieftain from County Armagh, Callan Ó Néill. He played a significant role in the Nine Years' War against the English, leading his clan's resistance efforts against the Tudor conquest of Ireland.

Moving into the 17th century, Callan Breheny was an Irish Franciscan friar and historian who wrote extensively on the history of his order and the lives of notable Irish saints and scholars.

In more recent times, Callan was the first name of Callan McAuliffe, an American actor born in 1995, known for his roles in films such as "The Walking Dead" and "Backroads."

Another notable bearer of the name was Callan Mulvey, an Australian actor born in 1975, who has appeared in various films and television shows, including "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and "Underbelly."

While the name Callan has its roots in Irish and Celtic cultures, it has gained popularity in other parts of the world as well. However, its historical significance and connection to ancient Irish traditions remain an integral part of its 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 Callan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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