Calum

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAL-um /ˈkæl.əm/High

Meaning: Dove; the Scottish Gaelic form of Columba, from Latin columba meaning dove, associated with Saint Columba who brought Christianity to ScotlandHigh

In 30 seconds: Calum is the Scottish Gaelic form of Columba meaning dove, forever linked to Saint Columba who founded the monastery of Iona in 563 AD and spread Christianity through Scotland, giving this two-syllable name profound spiritual and historical depth.

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Origin HighScottish Gaelic

MeaningDove; the Scottish Gaelic form of Columba, from Latin columba meaning dove, associated with Saint Columba who brought Christianity to Scotland

U.S. rank (2025)#799 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births313 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,501

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Calum is the Scottish Gaelic form of Columba, from Latin columba meaning dove. Saint Columba (also called Calum Cille, meaning dove of the church) was an Irish-born monk who founded the influential monastery of Iona in 563 AD and is credited with converting the Picts of northern Scotland to Christianity.

Calum has been a traditional Scottish name for centuries. In Scotland it remains a popular name with strong national identity. In the rest of the English-speaking world it has gained visibility as a stylish alternative to Malcolm, Callum, or Calvin, appealing to parents with Scottish heritage and those who love Celtic names.

Did you know? Saint Columba (521-597) founded the monastery of Iona on a tiny Scottish island that became one of the most important centers of early Christian learning in Europe. From Iona, missionaries spread Christianity throughout Scotland and northern England, making Columba and Calum one of the most historically significant name lines in British history.

Overall data confidence 96%

Behind the Name — Calum — Scottish Gaelic and Latin etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

CallumColmColumbaMalcolm

Nicknames

Cal

Famous Bearers

★Calum Scott (1988–present)
English singer-songwriter who rose to fame on Britain's Got Talent and is known for his cover of Dancing On My Own.
★Saint Columba (Calum) (521–597)
Irish-born monk who founded the monastery of Iona in 563 and is credited with bringing Christianity to the Picts of Scotland.

If you like Calum…

Callum— the most common alternate spelling of the same name

Cormac— same Scottish Gaelic masculine tradition

Fergus— shares the strong Scottish Gaelic two-syllable heritage

Ewan— same Scottish Gaelic origin and two-syllable clean sound

Frequently Asked

What does the name Calum mean?

Calum means dove, as the Scottish Gaelic form of Columba, from Latin columba.

How do you pronounce Calum?

It is said KAL-um, two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Calum the same as Callum?

Calum and Callum are variant spellings of the same Scottish Gaelic name; Calum is the traditional Gaelic spelling, Callum the more common anglicized form.

Is Calum a popular name?

Calum is a popular Scottish name and is used in English-speaking countries worldwide, particularly among families with Scottish heritage.