Rising since 1986, #4,396 for boys today.
Popularity of Kalum since 1974
Babies named Kalum per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2014, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kalum's real moment was 2020.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 10 |
| 1980s | 26 |
| 1990s | 51 |
| 2000s | 73 |
| 2010s | 167 |
| 2020s | 123 |
Meaning & origin
Kalum is a modern respelling of the classic Scottish name Callum, sharing its meaning of dove. The name has been in use since at least 1974, though it remained rare for decades. According to Social Security data, Kalum entered the rankings at rank 4,396 in 2025, with a 1-in-74,264 frequency. Its popularity has been steadily rising since 1986, and it reached its peak rank in 2020. In 2025, the name was most common in Texas. While still uncommon, Kalum offers a fresh twist on a traditional name, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar-sounding choice.
Kalum is a respelling of Callum, which is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Colm or Calum, derived from Latin 'columba' meaning dove. The name has been used in Scotland and Ireland since medieval times, often associated with Saint Columba, the sixth-century Irish monk who spread Christianity to Scotland. The variant spelling Kalum emerged in modern times, particularly in the United States.
Where Kalum is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kal, Lum
Sibling names for Kalum
Names that share Kalum's style, for a brother or sister.
