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Home › Baby Names Directory › Callen

Callen

♀ Girl

Pronounced KAL-ən /ˈkæl.ən/High

Meaning: From the Scottish/Gaelic Cailean ('a whelp/young hound'), or linked to 'rock; powerful in battle'; here for girls; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Crisp and modern: Callen ties to the Gaelic Cailean — 'a young hound; rock'. Sleek, fresh, and warm. Used for both sexes.
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Origin LowScottish, Gaelic
MeaningFrom the Scottish/Gaelic Cailean ('a whelp/young hound'), or linked to 'rock; powerful in battle'; here for girls; routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#6165 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births19 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2023
Total births (all-time)≈ 604

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202319832025

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

Callen comes from the Scottish/Gaelic Cailean, 'a whelp, a young hound' (the source of Colin), and is variously linked to 'rock' or 'powerful in battle' (routes layered, which we note). A sleek, crisp, modern surname/given name, used for both sexes, here for girls.

It registers thinly for girls. Rare for girls, a-young-hound-or-rock at the root, and sleek.

Did you know? Callen ties to the Scottish Gaelic Cailean, 'a whelp, a young hound' (the source of Colin), and is variously linked to 'rock' or 'powerful in battle' — a sleek, modern name, used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note).
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Callen / Cailean — routes layered

Variations

CaileanCallanCallon

Nicknames

Cal

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Callen…

Callan— a fellow spelling
Colleen— a sound-neighbor Irish girls' name
Kalen— another modern Cal- name
Carsen— another Scottish name
Karsen— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Callen

By themeuncertainunisexscottishgaelic
By meaningStrengthWarriorRock / StoneYouth

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Callen mean?

Callen ties to the Gaelic Cailean, 'a young hound', and is linked to 'rock; powerful in battle'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Callen?

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

Is Callen a boy or girl name?

Callen is used for both sexes (predominantly boys'); this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Callen?

Callen is rare for girls in the U.S.

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