Meaning and origin
The last name Calhoun originates from Scotland and is derived from the Gaelic name "O'Ceallachain." It is composed of two Gaelic elements, "ceallach," meaning "bright-headed," and the diminutive suffix "-an," which implies a descendant or family connection. The name Calhoun has a longstanding history and can be traced back to ancient Gaelic clans and chieftains, signifying a noble heritage and historical significance.
The longer story
The last name Calhoun has its origins in Scotland, specifically in the Gaelic language. The name is derived from the Gaelic surname Mac Ille Chaluim, which means "son of the servant of Columba." It is believed that the name first emerged in the western region of Scotland, in the region of Argyll.
The surname Calhoun is closely associated with the Clan MacColquhoun, which has a rich and ancient history in Scotland. The clan is believed to have descended from Sir Ivan of Colquhoun, who lived during the 13th century. The MacColquhoun clan held the ancestral lands of Luss, located on the banks of Loch Lomond.
Throughout history, the clan and the name Calhoun have been closely linked to military service. In particular, the MacColquhouns were known for their fierce and loyal warriors. The clan was a staunch supporter of the Scottish Crown and played a significant role in various conflicts, including the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
#803
Calhoun was the 803rd most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 43,180 people, about 15 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Surnames like Calhoun
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where Calhoun is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.