Find out how popular the first name Kallum has been for the last 17 years (from 2007 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kallum by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Kallum is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 75 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kallum.

The history of the first name Kallum

The given name Kallum is believed to have originated from the Scottish Gaelic name Calum, which is a variation of the Latin name Columba, meaning "dove." Its roots can be traced back to the 6th century AD, when St. Columba, an Irish monk and missionary, brought Christianity to Scotland and established a monastery on the island of Iona.

The name Kallum gained popularity in Scotland and Ireland during the Middle Ages, as it was associated with the venerated figure of St. Columba. It was often bestowed upon children as a way to honor the saint and invoke his blessings.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kallum can be found in the Annals of Ulster, an ancient chronicle that dates back to the 15th century. The Annals mention a Kallum mac Áeda, who was a prominent figure in the Kingdom of Dál Riata, which encompassed parts of modern-day Scotland and Ireland.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kallum. One of the most famous was Kallum Cille (521–597 AD), also known as St. Columba, the Irish abbot and missionary who established the monastery on Iona and played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity in Scotland.

Another historical figure with the name Kallum was Kallum mac Ailpín (830–904 AD), a king of the Picts and the first monarch to unite the kingdoms of the Picts and the Scots, laying the foundations for the Kingdom of Scotland.

In the 13th century, Kallum mac Somhairle (1210–1247 AD) was a Scottish nobleman and leader of the Clan Donald, one of the most powerful clans in the Western Isles of Scotland during that period.

During the Scottish Wars of Independence, Sir Kallum Mor (1276–1329 AD) was a renowned Scottish knight and military commander who fought alongside William Wallace and Robert the Bruce in their struggle against English rule.

In more recent times, Kallum Macleod (1911–1988) was a Scottish Gaelic poet and educator who played a significant role in preserving and promoting the Gaelic language and culture in Scotland.

These are just a few examples of the historical figures who have borne the name Kallum, reflecting its deep roots in Scottish and Irish culture and its association with the spread of Christianity in the region.

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

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

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