"from the narrow forest"
Origin: Irish/Scottish Gaelic Colquhoun
Language: English
Calhoun
Pronunciation: [ k-alh-OON ]
Does Calhoun flow with your last name?
A distinguished Southern surname turned bold first name
American
Irish
Scottish
English
Strong
Bold
Vintage
Earthy
Sophisticated
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Meaning & Origin
"holly corner, hazel grove"
Origin: Gaelic coll + cuinn
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with John C. Calhoun, pro-slavery US Vice President (historical figure)
The Story of Calhoun
Calhoun is an Anglicization of the Irish and Scottish Gaelic surname Colquhoun, meaning narrow forest or holly corner (from coll meaning hazel and cuinn meaning corner or holly). It arrived in America as a surname carried by Scots-Irish immigrants in the 18th century, and like many strong surnames, has transitioned to first name use, especially in the American South.
Calhoun has experienced a resurgence as a first name in the 2010s and 2020s as part of the broader trend of using distinguished surnames as given names. It appeals to parents seeking a strong, Southern-flavored name with both Irish heritage and American history.
John C. Calhoun (1782-1850) served as US Vice President under two presidents and was a powerful political figure from South Carolina. The name carries strong associations with Southern American history and Scots-Irish heritage in the American South.
Historical Record
Calhoun first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 167 babies have been named Calhoun in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Calhoun is past its peak , currently ranked #6,030 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Calhoun County appears in 15 different US states, named for John C. Calhoun
- The original Colquhoun clan of Scotland has records dating to the 13th century
- Fort Calhoun in Nebraska was named after the prominent statesman
Calhoun in Other Languages
Irish
Colquhoun
French
Calhoun
Spanish
Calhoun
Scottish Gaelic
Colquhoun
Popularity Over Time
#6,030
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Calhoun
J
John C. Calhoun
Politician
1782
7th US Vice President (1825-1832) and influential South Carolina statesman
C
Calhoun Fictional
Other
Character from the animated film Wreck-It Ralph (2012), a tough military commander
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Compare Calhoun with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,030
- Total SSA Count
- 15
- Cultural Origins
- American Irish Scottish English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Cal
Cale
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, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Calhoun
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Calhoun
What does the name Calhoun mean?
"from the narrow forest" (from Irish/Scottish Gaelic Colquhoun). "holly corner, hazel grove" (from Gaelic coll + cuinn). Calhoun is an Anglicization of the Irish and Scottish Gaelic surname Colquhoun, meaning narrow forest or holly corner (from coll meaning hazel and cuinn meaning corner or holly). It arrived in America as a surname carried by Scots-Irish immigrants in the 18th century, and like many strong surnames, has transitioned to first name use, especially in the American South.
What is the origin of the name Calhoun?
Calhoun has Irish/Scottish Gaelic Colquhoun, Gaelic coll + cuinn, American, Irish, Scottish, and English origins. In Irish/Scottish Gaelic Colquhoun, it means "from the narrow forest". In Gaelic coll + cuinn, it means "holly corner, hazel grove".
Is Calhoun a boy or girl name?
Calhoun is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Calhoun?
Calhoun is pronounced k-alh-OON.
How popular is the name Calhoun?
Calhoun is currently ranked #6030 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Calhoun?
Common nicknames for Calhoun include Cal and Cale.
What are good middle names for Calhoun?
Popular middle name pairings include Calhoun James, Calhoun Lee, Calhoun Ray, Calhoun Thomas, Calhoun Scott, and Calhoun Wayne.
What are good sibling names for Calhoun?
Names that pair well with Calhoun as siblings include Sutton, Grady, Emerson, Sullivan, Harlow, and Beckett.
How many syllables does Calhoun have?
Calhoun has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Calhoun a common or rare name?
Calhoun is an uncommon name, ranked #6030 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Calhoun
Calhoun is a boy name with American, Irish, Scottish, and English origins . The name means "from the narrow forest" in Irish/Scottish Gaelic Colquhoun .
Calhoun is currently ranked #6,030 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Calhoun has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-alh-OON, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Calhoun include Cal and Cale. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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