Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Calihan

Calihan

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAL-ih-han /ˈkæl.ɪ.hæn/High

Meaning: Spelling of Callahan — from Irish Ó Ceallacháin, possibly 'bright-headed' or 'strife/contention'; routes debatedLow

In 30 seconds: Spirited and Irish: Calihan spells Callahan — possibly 'bright-headed' (or 'strife') — a bouncy clan surname. Warm, lively, and bold.
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumIrish
MeaningSpelling of Callahan — from Irish Ó Ceallacháin, possibly 'bright-headed' or 'strife/contention'; routes debated
U.S. rank (2025)#4564 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births22 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2021
Total births (all-time)≈ 201

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202120182025

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 spelling of Callahan — from Irish Ó Ceallacháin, possibly 'bright-headed one' or 'strife, contention' (the meaning is debated, which we note). A lively Irish clan surname-name, here streamlined.

It registers thinly beside Callahan. Rare, bright-headed at the (possible) root, and lively.

Did you know? Callahan comes from Irish Ó Ceallacháin — possibly 'bright-headed' or 'contention'; Dirty Harry Callahan made the surname famous, and Calihan is a fresh spelling.
Overall data confidence 65%
Behind the Name — Callahan — meaning debated

Variations

CallahanCalahanKallahan

Nicknames

Cal

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Calihan…

Callahan— the standard spelling
Callum— a fellow Cal- name
Keegan— a companion Irish surname-name
Finnegan— another Irish -an name

Explore names like Calihan

By themeuncertainsurname-nameirish
By meaningLight

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Calihan mean?

Calihan spells Callahan — possibly 'bright-headed' or 'strife'; the meaning is debated.

How do you pronounce Calihan?

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

Is Calihan a boy or girl name?

Calihan is a boy's name.

How popular is Calihan?

Calihan is a rare spelling in the U.S.

💬 Ask Nia