A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Calhoun since 1886
Babies named Calhoun per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2024, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Calhoun's real moment was 1886.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 35 |
| 1920s | 50 |
| 1930s | 13 |
| 1940s | 19 |
| 1950s | 24 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 17 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 73 |
| 2020s | 59 |
Meaning & origin
Calhoun, a Scottish surname turned given name, has a quiet but steady presence in American naming. First recorded in 1886, its peak year was also 1886, with later decades showing minimal use before a revival. Since 2010, it has been rising again, reflecting a broader trend of surname names gaining popularity. In 2025, it ranked 7,679 nationally, with about 1 in 170,808 boys receiving the name. Its top state is South Carolina, suggesting Southern affinity. The name's feel is strong, traditional, and understated, fitting well with current tastes for heritage names.
Calhoun is a Scottish surname of territorial origin, from the lands of Calhoun in the parish of Dunbartonshire. The place name likely derives from Gaelic elements meaning 'narrow wood' or 'corner wood'. As a given name, it has been used in the United States since the 19th century, often as a family surname passed down.
Where Calhoun is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cal
Variants: Colhoun, Colquhoun
Sibling names for Calhoun
Names that share Calhoun's style, for a brother or sister.
