Find out how popular the first name Kalu has been for the last 16 years (from 2008 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kalu by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Kalu is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kalu.

The history of the first name Kalu

The name Kalu is believed to have originated from the Dravidian languages of southern India. It is derived from the Tamil word "kalu," which means "black" or "dark." This name has been used in various regions of the Indian subcontinent for centuries.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Kalu can be found in ancient Hindu texts, such as the Puranas and the epic Mahabharata. In these texts, Kalu is sometimes used as a name or title for deities or spiritual figures associated with darkness or the night.

During the medieval period, the name Kalu was commonly found among various communities in South India, particularly in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. It was often given to children with darker complexions or those born during the night.

One notable historical figure bearing the name Kalu was Kalu Nayak, a 16th-century Maratha warrior and military leader from the Nayak dynasty of Madurai, in present-day Tamil Nadu. He played a significant role in the battles against the Vijayanagar Empire and the Nayaks of Tanjore.

Another famous person with the name Kalu was Kalu Rama Krishnan, a renowned Indian social reformer and activist from Kerala who lived from 1876 to 1948. He was a prominent figure in the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) movement, which aimed to uplift the oppressed communities in Kerala.

In the 20th century, Kalu Singh Shekhawat (1901-1970) was an Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Rajasthan. He played a crucial role in the integration of the princely states into the Indian Union and was also a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress.

Kalu Rinpoche (1905-1989) was a renowned Tibetan Buddhist lama and teacher. He was recognized as an incarnation of the Drikung Kagyu lineage and played a significant role in preserving and spreading the Drikung Kagyu teachings in Tibet and India.

Another notable figure was Kalu Iyer (1879-1925), an Indian lawyer, journalist, and social reformer from Tamil Nadu. He was a staunch advocate for the rights of women and the underprivileged, and his writings and speeches played a significant role in the Indian independence movement.

While the name Kalu has its roots in South India, it has also been adopted by various communities across the Indian subcontinent, transcending linguistic and cultural boundaries, reflecting the rich diversity and history of 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 Kalu was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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