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Home › Baby Names Directory › Callaghan

Callaghan

♀ Girl

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

Meaning: From the Irish surname O Ceallachain, tied to ceallach, variously read as 'strife; contention' or 'bright-headed.' Carried into first-name use. Used here for a girl though it is more often a boy's name.Low

In 30 seconds: An Irish surname name: Callaghan reads as 'bright-headed' or 'strife' (said 'KAL-uh-han'). More often a boy's name — we note the lean.
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Origin MediumIrish
MeaningFrom the Irish surname O Ceallachain, tied to ceallach, variously read as 'strife; contention' or 'bright-headed.' Carried into first-name use. Used here for a girl though it is more often a boy's name.
U.S. rank (2025)#12158 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 64

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202219972025

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

Callaghan comes from the Irish surname O Ceallachain, from ceallach ('strife; contention' or 'bright-headed'). As a girl's name it is rare; it is more often a boy's name, which we note (said 'KAL-uh-han').

For girls it appears very rarely in the U.S., against heavier boys' use. Rare, surname-style, and strong.

Did you know? Callaghan is an Irish surname tied to ceallach, read as 'strife' or 'bright-headed' — a strong clan name used here for a girl, though it leans to boys, which we note (said 'KAL-uh-han').
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Callaghan — Irish surname; ceallach 'strife'/'bright-headed'; boy-leaning

Variations

CallahanCalahanCallaghen

Nicknames

CallieCal

Famous Bearers

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Callaghan mean?

Callaghan is an Irish surname tied to ceallach, read as 'strife; contention' or 'bright-headed.'

How do you pronounce Callaghan?

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

Is Callaghan a boy or girl name?

Callaghan is used for both, but more often for boys — we note the lean.

How popular is Callaghan?

Callaghan is rare for girls and more common for boys in the U.S.

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