Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Callan
BoyIrish, Scottish· “uncertain; from an Irish or Scottish surname”
- Meaning
- uncertain; from an Irish or Scottish surname (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish, Scottish
- Pronunciation
- KA-luhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #190
- US babies 2025
- 1,917
- Best rank
- #190 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Callan
Callan is often said to mean “uncertain; from an Irish or Scottish surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and Scottish roots.
Callan is an Irish and Scottish surname, and a town name in County Kilkenny, of uncertain meaning. It is sometimes linked to Gaelic words for "rock" or "noise", or to the given name Cathalán, a diminutive related to Cathal, a name often rendered "strong in battle", but none of these origins is certain. As a first name Callan fits the popular group of Celtic-sounding names such as Declan and Kellan. It sounds crisp, friendly and modern while resting on a genuine older surname. Cal is a natural short form, and the name works well with many surnames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Callen.
Popularity over time
Callan first appears in US Social Security records in 1957. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 15 different years, starting in 2011. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #190, and its highest count, 1,917 babies. Use has grown 425% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #3,005 in 2000, #1,180 in 2010, and #190 in 2025. Of the 11,164 US boys named Callan since records began, 61% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 3,389 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Tate, Aziel, Jaziel, Nico, and Felix.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Callan ranked highest in Vermont, New Hampshire, and South Dakota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | #65 | 7 |
| New Hampshire | #71 | 21 |
| South Dakota | #78 | 15 |
| Alaska | #78 | 10 |
| Massachusetts | #86 | 82 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 93% of US babies named Callan over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Callan is usually pronounced KA-luhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with C and ends in “-an”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Callen.
Middle names for Callan
A few middle names that flow with Callan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Callan
Similar names
Lochlan Boy
LAHK-luhn
“land of lakes” · Scottish
#644
Aidan Boy
AY-dihn
“little fire” · Irish
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Declan Boy
DEHK-luhn
“uncertain; often said full of goodness” · Irish
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Keegan Boy
KEE-gun
“son of Aodhagán” · Irish
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Ronan Boy
ROH-nuhn
“little seal” · Irish
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Killian Boy
KIHL-ee-uhn
“possibly 'little church'” · Irish
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Kieran Boy
KEER-uhn
“little dark one” · Irish
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Kian Boy
KEE-uhn
“ancient, enduring” · Irish
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Lachlan Boy
LAHK-luhn
“from the land of lochs” · Scottish
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Cillian Boy
KIH-lee-uhn
“uncertain; possibly church or strife” · Irish
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Kylian Boy
KIH-lee-uhn
“form of Cillian; meaning uncertain” · Irish
#624
Logan Boy
LOH-guhn
“little hollow” · Scottish
#53
Lists that include Callan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Callan mean?
Callan is often said to mean “uncertain; from an Irish or Scottish surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and Scottish roots.
What is the origin of the name Callan?
Callan has Irish and Scottish roots. Callan is an Irish and Scottish surname, and a town name in County Kilkenny, of uncertain meaning.
Is Callan a popular name?
Yes. Callan ranked #190 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Callan a boy or girl name?
Callan is mainly a boy's name. About 93% of US babies named Callan over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Callan?
Callan is usually pronounced KA-luhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings