Find out how popular the first name Kalem has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kalem by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kalem is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 19 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kalem.

The history of the first name Kalem

The name Kalem is derived from the Turkish word 'kalem', which means 'pen' or 'pencil'. It is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire during the 16th or 17th century. The name's origins are closely linked to the rich cultural heritage of calligraphy and writing in the Ottoman and Islamic world.

During the Ottoman era, calligraphy was highly revered and considered a sacred art form. Calligraphers, known as 'hattat', were respected for their skills and their ability to beautifully transcribe religious texts and official documents. The name Kalem likely emerged as a way to honor the significance of writing and the tools used in this esteemed craft.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kalem can be found in the works of the famous Ottoman calligrapher, Hafiz Osman (1642-1698). He was known for his exceptional calligraphy skills and his contributions to the development of the 'diwani' script, a style of calligraphy used in official documents and royal decrees.

Another notable figure in history who bore the name Kalem was Kalem Ali Pasha (1670-1755), an Ottoman statesman and Grand Vizier (prime minister) during the reign of Sultan Ahmed III. He played a significant role in the modernization efforts of the Ottoman Empire and was known for his diplomatic skills.

In the 19th century, Kalem Efendi (1813-1884) was a prominent Ottoman bureaucrat and historian. He served as the chief scribe of the Ottoman Porte (government) and wrote several important historical works documenting the events of his time.

During the 20th century, Kalem Sadik (1906-1970) was a renowned Turkish painter and calligrapher. He was celebrated for his unique style that combined traditional Ottoman calligraphy with modern art techniques. His works are displayed in various museums and galleries across Turkey.

Kalem Bey (1889-1962) was a Turkish diplomat and author. He served as the Turkish ambassador to several countries and wrote several books on international relations and diplomacy, reflecting his experiences in the diplomatic corps.

While the name Kalem has its roots in the Ottoman and Islamic cultural heritage, it has transcended its original meaning and has been adopted by people of various backgrounds and cultures around the world, particularly in Turkey and other regions with Ottoman influences.

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

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

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