Kalman comes from the Hungarian and Yiddish Kálmán — linked to Coloman (St Coloman, an Irish pilgrim martyred in Austria), variously understood as 'a pilgrim' and 'gentle, mild' (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, classic name across Hungary and the Ashkenazi Jewish world (the composer Emmerich Kálmán; said 'KAHL-mən'; nickname Kal).

In the U.S. it appears in Hungarian and Jewish families. Rare, a-pilgrim-or-gentle at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Kálmán ties to Coloman (St Coloman, an Irish pilgrim-saint), variously 'a pilgrim' and 'gentle, mild' — a crisp, classic Hungarian and Yiddish name (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'KAHL-mən').

Overall data confidence 55%

Behind the Name — Kálmán — routes layered

Variations

KálmánColomanKalmen

Nicknames

Kal

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kalman…

Zalman— a kin Yiddish boys' name

Herman— a sound-neighbor -man boys' name

Zolan— another Hungarian name

Dovid— a similarly popular pick

Shaya— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Kalman

By themeuncertain yiddish hungarian

By meaningGentle / Kind

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kalman mean?

Kalman is the Hungarian/Yiddish Kálmán — linked to Coloman, variously 'a pilgrim' and 'gentle'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Kalman?

It's said KAHL-mən /ˈkɑl.mən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kalman a boy or girl name?

Kalman is a boy's name.

How popular is Kalman?

Kalman is a rare name in the U.S.