Callahan Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Callahan has Irish origins and means 'bright-headed' or 'strife'. It evolved from the Gaelic 'O' Ceallachain' and has historical roots dating back to the 12th century. The name reflects traits of strength and heritage, with no specific biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the 19th century due to Irish immigration and is commonly associated with a strong cultural identity.
The name Callahan is most popular in Utah, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Callahan has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, too falling for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Callahan' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5421st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2982nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 777th out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11664th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6725th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3532nd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Callahan' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Callahan"
Pronunciation
/ˈkæl.ə.hæn/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The surname Callahan is derived from the Gaelic 'O' Ceallachain', which means 'descendant of Ceallach', a personal name that possibly means 'bright-headed' or 'strife'.
Meaning
bright-headed, strife
Language Evolution
Ceallach, O'Ceallachain, Callahan
Historical Usage
The name Callahan has been in use since the 12th century in Ireland and gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 19th century due to Irish immigration.
Variants & Derivatives
Callaghan, Cahill, Kelley
Modern Popularity & Image
Callahan is perceived as a strong and traditional name, often associated with Irish heritage and culture.
Famous People
Michael Callahan, an American politician, John Callahan, an American cartoonist, Ruth Callahan, an American artist
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Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Callahan"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Callahan"
"Callahan" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5421st of 16616 | 127 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2982nd of 24088 | 553 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 777th of 23106 | 3,781 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 11664th of 27321 | 72 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 6725th of 35406 | 280 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3532nd of 30306 | 532 |
Regional Popularity of "Callahan" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
71.85% 3292nd/4582 |
- |
68.67% 5022nd/7313 |
47.72% 3561st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
14.13% 563rd/3984 |
22.15% 994th/4487 |
13.18% 899th/6822 |
12.05% 756th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Callahan" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
70.23% 2798th/3984 |
87.74% 3937th/4487 |
56.39% 3847th/6822 |
100.00% 6276th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Callahan"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Callahan" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.