The first name Calum
A boy’s name from Scottish Gaelic meaning “dove”.
2 syllables Male
Meaning and origin
Scottish Gaelic origin
Calum means “dove” in Scottish Gaelic.
From Scottish Gaelic Calum, from Late Latin Columba (literally “dove”), the name of a sixth century Scottish saint, one of the patron saints of Scotland. Doublet of Colm.
More names that mean bird.
From Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Popularity
Babies registered in England and Wales, 1996–2025
In 2025, 6 boys were named Calum, making it the 3,256th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 1996, with 614 births (#91).
Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Calum with other names.
Popularity in the United States
Babies named Calum at birth, 1880–2025
In 2025, 313 boys born in the United States were named Calum, the 799th most popular boys’ name that year.
US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.
Nicknames and spellings
Famous people named Calum
11 on Wikidata, most written-about first
- Calum ChambersEnglish association football player (born 1995)
- Calum ScottEnglish singer, born 1988
- Calum WorthyCanadian actor, born 1991
- Calum DavenportBritish footballer (born 1983)
- Calum JarvisBritish swimmer, born 1992
- Calum HoodAustralian bassist, born 1996
- Calum AngusEnglish footballer (born 1986)
- Calum ButcherEnglish footballer (born 1991)
- Calum McFarlaneEnglish football manager (born 1985)
- Calum WoodsEnglish association football player (born 1987)
- Hugh LaurieEnglish actor, comedian, director, musician and writer (born 1959)
More Scottish Gaelic boys’ names
Questions
- What does the name Calum mean?
- Calum means “dove” in Scottish Gaelic.
- What is the origin of the name Calum?
- From Scottish Gaelic Calum, from Late Latin Columba (literally “dove”), the name of a sixth century Scottish saint, one of the patron saints of Scotland. Doublet of Colm.
- How popular is the name Calum?
- In 2025, 6 boys born in England and Wales were named Calum, ranking 3,256th. Its peak was 1996, with 614 births.
- Is Calum a boy's or a girl's name?
- Mostly a boy's name: 100% of the 3,506 US babies named Calum since 1880 were boys.
- When was Calum most popular?
- 2025 in the United States, when 313 babies were named Calum, its highest rank at 799th.
- What are other spellings of Calum?
- Callum and Malcolm.