Calum
From Scottish Gaelic Calum, from Late Latin Columba (literally “dove”), the name of a sixth century Scottish saint, one of the patron saints of Scotland.
Every Calum since 1978 — 3,506 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Calum
Calum is uncommon for boys in the United States, ranked #799 in 2025 with 313 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.
Since 1978, 3,506 American babies have been named Calum. Its peak came in 2025, when 313 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2020s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Calum stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Calum year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 313 | #799 |
| 2024 | 259 | #904 |
| 2023 | 262 | #889 |
| 2022 | 303 | #817 |
| 2021 | 284 | #838 |
| 2020 | 240 | #929 |
| 2019 | 238 | #919 |
| 2018 | 202 | #1,018 |
| 2017 | 140 | #1,294 |
| 2016 | 92 | #1,696 |
| 2015 | 76 | #1,914 |
| 2014 | 51 | #2,466 |
| 2013 | 50 | #2,465 |
| 2012 | 49 | #2,523 |
| 2011 | 69 | #1,990 |
| 2010 | 56 | #2,289 |
| 2009 | 64 | #2,123 |
| 2008 | 63 | #2,145 |
| 2007 | 64 | #2,120 |
| 2006 | 43 | #2,702 |
| 2005 | 50 | #2,332 |
| 2004 | 40 | #2,647 |
| 2003 | 44 | #2,397 |
| 2002 | 44 | #2,342 |
| 2001 | 49 | #2,121 |
| 2000 | 35 | #2,629 |
| 1995 | 27 | #2,693 |
| 1990 | 17 | #3,485 |
| 1985 | 5 | #6,664 |
| 1980 | — | — |
| 1975 | — | — |
| 1970 | — | — |
| 1965 | — | — |
| 1960 | — | — |
| 1955 | — | — |
| 1950 | — | — |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1935 | — | — |
| 1930 | — | — |
| 1925 | — | — |
| 1920 | — | — |
| 1915 | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Calum
- Calum Scott Musician · b. 1988
- Calum Worthy Actor · b. 1991
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Calum mean?
From Scottish Gaelic Calum, from Late Latin Columba (literally “dove”), the name of a sixth century Scottish saint, one of the patron saints of Scotland.
How popular is the name Calum in 2025?
Calum ranked #799 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 313 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Calum?
3,506 babies have been named Calum in the United States since 1978, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Calum most popular?
Calum peaked in 2025, when 313 newborns received the name.
Is Calum a boy or girl name?
Calum is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Calum rising or falling?
Calum is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Calum?
Well-known people named Calum include Calum Scott (musician), Calum Worthy (actor).