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Home › Baby Names Directory › Callihan

Callihan

♀ Girl

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

Meaning: A spelling of the Irish surname Callaghan (O Ceallachain), often read as 'bright-headed' or linked to a root meaning 'strife; contention.' A modern surname-name, used for girls and boys.Low

In 30 seconds: A crisp Irish surname-name: Callihan spins on Callaghan ('bright-headed') (said 'KAL-ih-han'). Modern and unisex - we note the surname route.
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Origin LowIrish
MeaningA spelling of the Irish surname Callaghan (O Ceallachain), often read as 'bright-headed' or linked to a root meaning 'strife; contention.' A modern surname-name, used for girls and boys.
U.S. rank (2025)#11125 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births8 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 15

History & Origin

Callihan is a spelling of the Irish surname Callaghan (O Ceallachain), read as 'bright-headed' or linked to 'strife.' As a given name it reads modern and surname-style, used unisex - which we note - rare in the U.S. (said 'KAL-ih-han').

It appears only rarely, for both girls and boys. Rare, surname-style, and crisp.

Did you know? Callihan spells the Irish surname Callaghan, often read as 'bright-headed' - carried into first-name use and used for both girls and boys, which we note (said 'KAL-ih-han').
Overall data confidence 42%
References - Callihan — Irish surname Callaghan; 'bright-headed'; unisex

Variations

CallaghanCallahanCalahan

Nicknames

CalCallie

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Callihan…

Callahan— a spelling cousin
Donovan— a like Irish surname-name
Sullivan— a like Irish -an surname name
Finnegan— a like Irish surname-name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Callihan mean?

Callihan is a form of the Irish surname Callaghan, read as 'bright-headed' or linked to 'strife.'

How do you pronounce Callihan?

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

Is Callihan a boy or girl name?

Callihan is a surname-name used for both girls and boys - we note the unisex use.

How popular is Callihan?

Callihan is a rare name in the U.S.

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