Rising since 1985, #799 for boys today.
Popularity of Calum since 1978
Babies named Calum per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 33 |
| 1990s | 288 |
| 2000s | 496 |
| 2010s | 1,023 |
| 2020s | 1,661 |
Meaning & origin
Calum is a Scottish and Irish name with deep roots in Celtic Christianity. Since entering U.S. records in 1978, it has shown a steady upward trend, particularly gaining momentum from the 1980s onward. In 2025, it ranked 799th, with a frequency of 1 in 5,457 boys, and reached its peak in popularity that same year. The name is most common in states like Idaho, Nebraska, and Iowa, reflecting its popularity in areas with Scottish and Irish heritage. Its gentle meaning of 'dove' and strong cultural ties make it a consistent choice for families seeking a name with history and a soft sound.
Calum is a Scottish and Irish form of the Latin name Columba, meaning 'dove'. It is derived from the Gaelic 'Colum' or 'Calum', which itself comes from the Latin 'columba'. The name was borne by several early saints, most notably the 6th-century Irish missionary Saint Columba, who founded the monastery on the island of Iona. It has been consistently used in Scotland and Ireland, and gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the late 20th century.
Where Calum is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Calum” around the world
Where Calum lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
8
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cal
Sibling names for Calum
Names that share Calum's style, for a brother or sister.
