Calan

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAL-ən /ˈkæl.ən/High

Meaning: From Welsh calan, 'first day of the month/season' (Calan Gaeaf, etc.) — or an anglicized Caolán, 'slender'; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Every season's opening day: Calan is Welsh for the calends — new beginnings on repeat — with an Irish 'slender' echo. Fresh-start specialist.

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Origin MediumWelsh, Irish

MeaningFrom Welsh calan, 'first day of the month/season' (Calan Gaeaf, etc.) — or an anglicized Caolán, 'slender'; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#3796 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births29 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 940

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Calan reads from Welsh calan, 'first day' (of month or season, as in Calan Mai), or as an anglicized Caolán, 'slender' (routes layered, which we note). Beginnings either way.

It registers thinly in records. Rare, first-day at the root, and renewing.

Did you know? Calan Gaeaf — the Welsh first of winter — is Wales's Halloween; a boy named Calan carries the turning of every season.

Overall data confidence 60%

Welsh references — calan — routes layered

Variations

KalanCaolánCallan

Nicknames

Cal

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Calan…

Callan— the double-l Irish brother

Kaelan— a fellow Caolán-line styling

Cale— the crisp short cousin

Kalen— the companion modern spelling

Browse the whole category: All Welsh names → · All Irish names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Calan mean?

Calan is Welsh for 'first day of the month/season', or an anglicized Caolán, 'slender'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Calan?

It's said KAL-ən /ˈkæl.ən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Calan a boy or girl name?

Calan is mainly a boy's name.

How popular is Calan?

Calan is a rare name in the U.S.