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Home › Baby Names Directory › Calahan

Calahan

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Calahan

Pronounced KAL-ə-han /ˈkæl.ə.hæn/High

Meaning: A spelling of Callahan — from the Irish O Ceallachain, 'a descendant of Ceallachan' (variously 'bright-headed' or 'strife')Low

In 30 seconds: A descendant of Ceallachan: Calahan spells Callahan — an Irish surname. Rugged, Americana, and warm.
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Origin LowIrish
MeaningA spelling of Callahan — from the Irish O Ceallachain, 'a descendant of Ceallachan' (variously 'bright-headed' or 'strife')
U.S. rank (2025)#4063 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births26 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2020
Total births (all-time)≈ 265
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Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519862025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Calahan is a spelling of Callahan — from the Irish O Ceallachain, 'a descendant of Ceallachan', a name variously read as 'bright-headed' or 'strife, contention' (debated, which we note). A rugged, Americana surname-name (nickname Cal).

In the U.S. it appears as a fresh first name. Rare in this spelling, a-descendant-of-Ceallachan at the root, and rugged.

Did you know? Callahan comes from the Irish O Ceallachain, 'a descendant of Ceallachan' (variously read as 'bright-headed' or 'strife') — Calahan is a spelling, a rugged, Americana surname-name (the meaning is debated, which we note; said 'KAL-ə-han').
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Callahan — meaning debated

Variations

CallahanCallaghanCalahan

Nicknames

Cal

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Calahan…

Callahan— the standard spelling
Callum— a fellow Cal- Irish/Scottish boys' name
Brennan— a sound-neighbor -an Irish boys' name
Donovan— another Irish surname boys' name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Calahan mean?

Calahan spells Callahan — Irish 'a descendant of Ceallachan' (variously 'bright-headed' or 'strife'); the meaning is debated.

How do you pronounce Calahan?

It's said KAL-ə-han /ˈkæl.ə.hæn/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Calahan a boy or girl name?

Calahan is a boy's name.

How popular is Calahan?

Calahan is a rare name in the U.S.

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