What Does the Name Callum Mean?
Callum means "dove," from the Latin columba ("dove"), by way of the Gaelic form Calum. The dove has long symbolized peace and the Holy Spirit in Christian tradition.
The Origin & History of Callum
The name honors Saint Columba (also called Colmcille), an Irish abbot and missionary who founded the influential abbey on the island of Iona in the 6th century and is credited with spreading Christianity through Scotland, making him one of Ireland's three patron saints.
Cultural Reach
Callum has long been popular across Scotland, Ireland, and England, and it has grown steadily in the US over the past two decades as part of the wider appeal of Celtic and Gaelic boys' names.
Famous People Named Callum
Notable bearers include Callum Hudson-Odoi, the English professional footballer who has played for Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, and the England national team.
Nicknames & Variations
Common nicknames include Cal. The Gaelic spelling Calum is used interchangeably, and the historic form Malcolm shares the same Latin root.
Is Callum a Good Name in 2026?
Callum continues to hold steady popularity, valued for its strong Celtic history, easy pronunciation, and the friendly short form Cal.