Rising since 2007, #1,520 for boys today.
Popularity of Kallum since 2007
Babies named Kallum per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 16 |
| 2010s | 204 |
| 2020s | 477 |
Meaning & origin
Kallum is a modern respelling of the Scottish classic Callum, a name derived from the Latin Columba, meaning 'dove'. This 'K' variant has been on the rise in the United States since it was first recorded in 2007, and it reached its peak rank of 1520 in 2025, the same year it saw the highest number of births. With a 1-in-14983 frequency, it is still uncommon but growing in popularity, particularly in states like Oklahoma, Indiana, and Tennessee. The name fits a trend of respelling traditional names with a 'K' for a contemporary edge, while retaining the soft, appealing sound of its root. Kallum offers a fresh alternative for parents seeking a name with Scottish heritage that feels both classic and current.
Kallum is a modern respelling of Callum, which itself comes from the Latin name Columba, meaning 'dove'. The name gained popularity in Scotland, where it was used as a given name in honor of Saint Columba, a 6th-century Irish missionary. The spelling variant Kallum emerged more recently, likely influenced by the popularity of names starting with 'K'.
Where Kallum is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kal, Cal
Sibling names for Kallum
Names that share Kallum's style, for a brother or sister.
