Calem

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAL-um /ˈkæl.əm/Medium

Meaning: A spelling of Callum/Calum — from Latin columba, 'a dove' (a symbol of peace and the Holy Spirit; St. Columba)Low

In 30 seconds: A dove: Calem spells Callum/Calum. Crisp, classic, and warm (said 'KAL-um').

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Origin LowLatin

MeaningA spelling of Callum/Calum — from Latin columba, 'a dove' (a symbol of peace and the Holy Spirit; St. Columba)

U.S. rank (2024)#7824 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births10 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2009

Total births (all-time)≈ 424

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Calem is a spelling of Callum/Calum — from Latin columba, 'a dove' (a symbol of peace and the Holy Spirit; St. Columba, an Irish missionary to Scotland). A crisp, classic name (said 'KAL-um').

In the U.S. it appears as a spelling of Callum. Rare in this form, a-dove at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Callum/Calum comes from Latin columba, 'a dove' (a symbol of peace; St. Columba) — Calem is a spelling, crisp and classic (said 'KAL-um').

Overall data confidence 44%

References — Callum — Latin etymology

Variations

CallumCalumKallum

Nicknames

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If you like Calem…

Callum— the standard spelling

Calum— a kin spelling

Kallum— a fellow spelling

Kalem— echoes that soft -em sound

Carmine— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Calem

By themelatin scottish

By meaningGod / Divine Peace Bird

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Calem mean?

Calem spells Callum/Calum — Latin 'a dove' (a symbol of peace).

How do you pronounce Calem?

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

Is Calem a boy or girl name?

Calem is a boy's name.

How popular is Calem?

Calem is a rare spelling in the U.S.