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Home › Baby Names Directory › Calihan

Calihan

♀ Girl

Pronounced KAL-uh-han /ˈkæl.ə.hæn/Medium

Meaning: A respelling of Callaghan, an Irish surname from O Ceallachain, a descendant-name built on Ceallach, an old Irish personal name whose sense is debated - suggestions include 'bright-headed' and 'strife.' As a first name it usually reads male, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: An Irish surname pick: Calihan respells Callaghan (said 'KAL-uh-han'). It usually reads as a boy's name - we note the lean.
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Origin LowIrish
MeaningA respelling of Callaghan, an Irish surname from O Ceallachain, a descendant-name built on Ceallach, an old Irish personal name whose sense is debated - suggestions include 'bright-headed' and 'strife.' As a first name it usually reads male, which we note.
U.S. rank (2022)#15736 ↘ Falling
2022 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2020
Total births (all-time)≈ 17

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202120202022

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

Calihan is a respelling of the Irish surname Callaghan, anglicised from O Ceallachain, 'descendant of Ceallach.' Ceallach is an old Irish personal name whose meaning references dispute - 'bright-headed' and 'strife' are both proposed. Used as a first name, Calihan reads strongly as a boy's name, and we flag that lean plainly (said 'KAL-uh-han').

It appears only in very small numbers for girls in the U.S., against heavier use for boys. Rare and surname-style.

Did you know? Callaghan comes from the Irish O Ceallachain, 'descendant of Ceallach' - a Munster surname long tied to the kings of Cashel. As a given name it leans male.
Overall data confidence 36%
References - Calihan — Irish O Ceallachain / Callaghan surname; Ceallach sense debated

Variations

CallaghanCallahanCalahan

Nicknames

CalCallieHank

Famous Bearers

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If you like Calihan…

Callahan— the standard surname spelling
Donovan— a like Irish surname name
Sullivan— a like Irish surname turned first name
Carrigan— shares the -an ending
Callaghan— shares the -an ending

Explore names like Calihan

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Calihan mean?

Calihan respells the Irish surname Callaghan, from O Ceallachain; as a first name it usually reads male.

How do you pronounce Calihan?

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

Is Calihan a boy or girl name?

Calihan is used here for a girl, but it usually reads as a boy's name - we note the lean plainly.

How popular is Calihan?

Calihan is extremely rare for girls in the U.S., and more often used for boys.

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