Calum
Fact sheet
- Name
- Calum
- Gender
- Boy name
- Syllables
- 2
Calum represents a Scottish variant of the name Columban, which traces back to the Late Latin name Columbanus, derived from Columba. The boy's name is literally translated as 'the dove' and has religious meanings in context, such as 'the church dove' and 'the white dove'.
What does the name Calum mean?
Calum is a Scottish form of Columban, which is derived from the Late Latin name Columbanus, rooted in Columba. Literally translated, the name means 'the dove' and also carries religious connotations such as 'the church dove' or 'the white dove'. Its origin goes back to the Latin word cŏlumba, which also means 'the dove'. The name became well-known through the veneration of Saint Columban of Iona, an Irish monk and missionary from the 6th century, who is famous for his missionary work in Scotland and is counted among the twelve apostles of Ireland. Another notable bearer of the name is Columban of Luxeuil, also known as Columban the Younger, who founded a monastery as an Irish wandering monk in the 7th century. Other variants include Columbo, Columbano, Columbus, Colombo, Colum, Callum, Koloman, Kolman, Coleman, Colm, Colman, and Kolumban.
Where does the name Calum come from?
The name Calum has Latin origins and means 'the dove'. The Latin term cŏlumba stands for 'the dove'. The languages in which the name appears are English and Scottish.
How do you pronounce Calum?
The pronunciation of Calum is clear and two-syllable. It is usually pronounced as 'Ca-lum' [ˈkaləm]. The open 'a' at the beginning gives the name a warm and direct touch, while the gentle ending syllable with a reduced vowel rounds the name harmoniously. This makes Calum grounded and friendly – it has a simple sound with a calm and stable aura.
When is the name day of Calum?
The name day for Calum is celebrated on November 23.
Popularity
In Germany, Calum is a common first name. In 2023, it ranks 3,780th in the list of the most popular male first names. Its best placement was in 2015 at 2,705th. Over the past ten years, Calum has been chosen as a first name about 20 times, which places it at 5,091st in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 5,248th.
Nicknames & pet names
Cal / Cal Pal / Calie
Similar first names
Famous people
- Callum Blue (actor)
- Callum Hunt (main character 'Magisterium')
- Calum Angus (footballer from Great Britain)
- Calum Bett (Icelandic footballer)
- Calum Brady (English footballer)
- Calum Chambers (British footballer)
- Calum Colvin (British artist)
- Calum Davenport (American football player)
- Calum Elliot (English footballer)
- Calum Ferguson (English footballer)
- Calum Forrester (British rugby player)
- Calum Gallagher (British footballer)
- Calum Gourlay (English jazz musician)
- Calum Green (rugby player from Great Britain)
- Calum Haggett (British cricketer)
- Calum Hood (bass guitarist/singer of 5 Seconds of Summer)
- Calum Kennedy (British singer)
- Calum MacDonald (percussionist with Runrig)
- Calum MacGregor (Australian rugby player)
- Calum Mackay (Canadian ice hockey player)
Frequently asked questions about the name Calum
What is the origin of the name Calum?
The name Calum has Latin roots and means 'the dove'. It is a Scottish form of Columban, which goes back to the Latin word cŏlumba.
What does the name Calum mean?
Calum literally means 'the dove' and also has religious connotations, such as 'the church dove' or 'the white dove'.
How popular is the name Calum?
Calum enjoys a certain popularity in Scotland and other English-speaking countries, but is less common internationally.