Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Callum

      Origin

      Scottish

      Meaning

      Dove

      Variations

      Caelum, Kallum, Calum
      The name Callum finds its origins in Scotland, stemming from the Gaelic word calum, which translates to 'dove.' The significance of the dove in Scottish culture is deeply rooted in ancient history, symbolizing peace, purity, and tranquility. As such, the given name Callum carries these connotations, representing a sense of calmness and serenity.

      Historically, the name Callum can be traced back centuries, as it has been used by Scottish families to bestow upon their newborn sons. It is likely that the name's association with the dove originated during the early Celtic times when the bird held important symbolic value in religious and mythological contexts. The name gradually gained popularity within Scotland and eventually spread to other English-speaking countries.

      In modern-day usage, Callum continues to be a favored choice for parents seeking a traditional Scottish name with a peaceful meaning. Its usage is not confined to Scotland alone, as many individuals from different cultural backgrounds have embraced the name for its gentle symbolism. Moreover, its simplicity and phonetic appeal make it an easy-to-pronounce and internationally recognizable name. Whether it be in everyday life, literature, or even in popular culture, the enduring charm of Callum endures, rooted in its centuries-old association with peace and tranquility.

      Based on our records...

      Macleod

      Macleod

      This is the most common surname associated with Callum.
      Beryl

      Beryl

      This is the most common name of those married to a Callum.
      Donald

      Donald

      This is the most common name for a child of a Callum.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1908 is when there were the most people born with the first name Callum.

      Explore the origins of another name.