Callum
How to say it: KAL-um · /ˈkæləm/
Scottish Gaelic form of Columba, from Latin 'columba' meaning 'dove'; a peaceful, ancient name.
Callum was the 113th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 2,995 babies (Social Security Administration). The 2020s are its busiest decade so far, its births are up 7.3-fold in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #16 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #113 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 2,995 |
| Share of births | 1 in 968 |
| Peak decade | 2020s |
| Change over 10 years | ×7.3 |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #16 |
| In France, 2025 | #2,436 among boys’ names, 5 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Almost all use has arrived recently, with the 2020s marking the top so far. Still at its peak, it is expected to keep rising.
What goes with it
Gentle yet firm, spoken KAL um, it blends soft resonance with crisp attack in a nature leaning style. Lachlan pairs naturally alongside, and Cal gives a brief form.
Middle names that flow with Callum →
Nicknames
- Cal
- Callie
Honouring a Callum in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Callum is about 1 in 41.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, Scottish Gaelic.
In France: #2,436 for boys in 2025.
England and Wales: #251. Ireland: #49.
Famous people named Callum
- Callum Hudson-Odoi (born 2000)English association football player
- Callum Wilson (born 1992)English association football player
- Callum McGregor (born 1993)Scottish association football player
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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