Callahan
Bright-headed — a boy name of Irish origin
Popularity of Callahan in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Callahan
Callahan comes from the Irish surname Ó Ceallacháin, built on the root "ceallach," usually translated as "bright-headed" and sometimes as "strife" or "lover of churches." Once a proud clan name in County Cork, it has been reborn as a first name in the surname-as-given-name trend that also gave us Sullivan and Donovan. Callahan has a rugged, cinematic ring — helped along by the fictional detective Harry Callahan — while its ready-made nickname Cal keeps it friendly. For parents who want an unmistakably Irish name with weight and swagger, Callahan delivers both heritage and a modern edge.
Callahan Around the World
Callahan is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants. From the Irish Ó Ceallacháin, a surname derived from "ceallach" (bright-headed, strife)..
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Callahan
Famous People Named Callahan
- Harry Callahan — character played by Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry films
- Callahan — an old and prominent Irish clan name of County Cork
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Sibling Name Ideas for Callahan
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Callahan mean?
Callahan is a boy name of Irish origin meaning "Bright-headed." Callahan comes from the Irish surname Ó Ceallacháin, built on the root "ceallach," usually translated as "bright-headed" and sometimes as "strife" or "lover of churches." Once a proud clan name in County Cork, it has been reborn as a first name in the surname-as-given-name trend that also gave us Sullivan and Donovan.
How do you pronounce Callahan?
Callahan is pronounced KAL-uh-han. Common variations include Callaghan, Calahan, Callahan.
Is Callahan a boy name?
Yes, Callahan is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Cal, Han, Callie.
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