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Calhoun

Pronunciation: [ k-alh-OON ]

Boy Name #6,030 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A distinguished Southern surname turned bold first name

American Irish Scottish English
Strong Bold Vintage Earthy Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"from the narrow forest"
Origin: Irish/Scottish Gaelic Colquhoun
Language: English
"holly corner, hazel grove"
Origin: Gaelic coll + cuinn
Language: English

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.

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

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

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

Sibling Names

Sutton Grady Emerson Sullivan Harlow Beckett

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Similar Names

Newton Jackson Clifton Burton Lawson Malcolm Alton Watson

Compare Calhoun with...

Calhoun vs Newton Calhoun vs Jackson Calhoun vs Clifton Calhoun vs Burton

Same Origin Names (American)

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Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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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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