"dove"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: English
Callum
Pronunciation: [ k-AL-uhm ]
Does Callum flow with your last name?
A peaceful Scottish name honoring the dove saint
Scottish
Irish
British
Strong
Earthy
Traditional
Gentle
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"peace, purity"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Primarily known as a Scottish masculine name; may receive comments as a girls name
The Story of Callum
Callum is the Scottish Gaelic form of the Latin name Columba, meaning dove. The name honors Saint Columba (521-597 AD), the Irish monk who founded the famous monastery on the island of Iona and is credited with bringing Christianity to Scotland. The dove symbol connects the name to peace and the Holy Spirit in Christian tradition.
Callum has been consistently popular in Scotland and increasingly across the UK, driven by interest in Celtic heritage names. Its use for girls is a gender-nonconforming trend following the broader pattern of traditionally male names gaining use for daughters.
In Scotland, Callum carries deep cultural weight as the name of one of the country's most beloved saints. Saint Columba is so revered that many Highland communities trace their spiritual heritage to his missionary work from Iona.
Historical Record
Callum first appeared in US Social Security records in 2021.
Over 30 babies have been named Callum in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Callum is a new entry on the US charts , currently ranked #40,383 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Callum means dove, the universal symbol of peace
- Saint Columba founded the monastery of Iona in 563 AD, a site still visited by pilgrims today
- Callum is consistently in the top 10 baby names in Scotland
Callum in Other Languages
Irish
Colm
Latin
Columba
Welsh
Colwm
Spanish
Calmo
Popularity Over Time
#40,383
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
New Entry
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Callum with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #40,383
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish Irish British
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Cal
Cally
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Scottish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, British heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Callum
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Callum is also used as a boy name, ranked #159.
View Callum as a boy name →Similar Names
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Latin origin
"rose, beauty"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Callum
What does the name Callum mean?
"dove" (from Scottish Gaelic). "peace, purity" (from Latin). Callum is the Scottish Gaelic form of the Latin name Columba, meaning dove. The name honors Saint Columba (521-597 AD), the Irish monk who founded the famous monastery on the island of Iona and is credited with bringing Christianity to Scotland. The dove symbol connects the name to peace and the Holy Spirit in Christian tradition.
What is the origin of the name Callum?
Callum has Scottish Gaelic, Latin, Scottish, Irish, and British origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "dove". In Latin, it means "peace, purity".
Is Callum a boy or girl name?
Callum is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #40383. As a boy name, it is ranked #159. Callum is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Callum?
Callum is pronounced k-AL-uhm.
How popular is the name Callum?
Callum is currently ranked #40383 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Callum?
Common nicknames for Callum include Cal and Cally.
What are good middle names for Callum?
Popular middle name pairings include Callum Rose, Callum Jean, Callum Mae, Callum Grace, Callum Skye, Callum Fern, and Callum Wren.
What are good sibling names for Callum?
Names that pair well with Callum as siblings include Fiona, Isla, Rory, Rowan, Quinn, Briar, and Finley.
How many syllables does Callum have?
Callum has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Callum a common or rare name?
Callum is an uncommon name, ranked #40383 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Callum?
About the Name Callum
Callum is a girl name with Scottish, Irish, and British origins . The name means "dove" in Scottish Gaelic .
Is Callum a boy or girl name? Callum is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #40,383 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #159. Callum is more commonly used as a boy name.
Callum is currently ranked #40,383 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Callum has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-AL-uhm, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Callum include Cal and Cally. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Callum include Callie, Calliope, Calla, Callahan, Callaway . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis