Calum

Meaning of Calum

Calum is the sprightly Scottish Gaelic cousin of Columba, a name that first fluttered out of Latin on dove’s wings and never quite landed, forever circling the globe with gentle grace. He carries the meaning “dove,” so peace and hope trail behind him like the soft hum of a tanpura at dawn, and legend ties him to St. Columba—the fearless monk who crossed rough seas to light up Scotland with faith. In today’s playlists you’ll hear singer-songwriter Calum Scott crooning, on rugby pitches you’ll spot Calum Sheedy sprinting, and in U.S. nurseries the name quietly climbs the charts, flapping from rank 838 in 2016 to 669 in 2024—proof that steady beats can still outshine flash. Say it aloud—KAL-uhm—and it pops like a curry leaf in hot ghee: quick, fragrant, memorable. For parents seeking a tag that blends Celtic cool with universal calm, Calum offers the best of both worlds, wrapping Highland heather and Indian jasmine into one breezy garland.