Surname MacCallum - Meaning and Origin
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MacCallum: What does the surname MacCallum mean?
The surname MacCallum is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic word "MacCaluim" which means "son of Calum." The name Calum is the Scottish Gaelic version of the name Columba and translates to "dove" in English. Hence, the name MacCallum indirectly symbolizes peace and purity, traits associated with a dove. This surname is primarily associated with the Scottish clans that resided in the territory of Argyll on the western coast of Scotland. It is important to denote that the surnames MacCallum and Malcolm are interchangeable in Scottish history and can thus refer to the same lineage or clan. Historically, individuals bearing the MacCallum surname in Scotland were renowned for their courage and valor in battle.
Order DNA origin analysisMacCallum: Where does the name MacCallum come from?
The surname MacCallum has Scottish origins, derived from the Gaelic 'MacChaluim' which means 'son of Calum', Calum being the Scots Gaelic form of Columba. The first recorded spelling of the family name is found in the 15th century in Argyllshire, western Scotland, where the MacCallums held a family seat from early times.
Under English rule, they changed their surname to Malcolm to avoid persecution. In an act of reconciliation in the 17th century, they were granted lands around Poltalloch in Argyll, and legally confirmed in the use of MacCallum again. Due to emigration and diaspora, the surname found its way to various parts of the globe.
Today, the surname MacCallum is common in Scotland, but also to a large extent in other English-speaking countries, primarily in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where Scottish diasporas are significant. So, it's most commonly found in countries with historical or ongoing Scottish immigration.
Variations of the surname MacCallum
The surname MacCallum has several variants and spellings, as it originates from both Scottish and Irish traditions. The different spellings of the name arise from the multiple forms of Gaelic spellings and dialects and also because of Anglicization of the name.
From the Scottish tradition, variants include MacCallam, McCallum, McCollum, and McCallam. Additionally, it can be shortened to Callum or Callam. Callum is often used as a first name in Scotland.
From the Irish tradition, variants include McCollum, Mac Colla, McColum, MacColm, and McColumn. The "Mc" prefix means "son of," so you will also find it as son of Callum or son of Colm.
There are also many related surnames including Malcolm, Maccolm, Macolm, Maolchaluim and Macghillemhuire. These surnames are derived from the same Gaelic words: “Mac” meaning son, and “Callum”, derived from gaelic "Colm" which means dove.
Furthermore, surnames can also be regional. The MacCallum name is particularly associated with the Argyll region of Scotland. There, you might find variant spellings prevalent. These variant spellings and surnames add a rich depth to the MacCallum family history.
Famous people with the name MacCallum
- Wendy MacCallum: Canadian actor known for roles in 'The Pinkertons', 'Hell on Wheels', 'You Me Her', and 'The Craft: Legacy'
- Kelly MacCallum: Australian songwriter, producer and singer who won an ARIA Music Award for Production of the Year
- Neve MacCallum: Australian opera singer, recording artist and teacher
- Murray MacCallum: Canadian musician, singer-songwriter in the folk music genre
- John MacCallum: Canadian artist and director of animation for various shows, such as Nickelodeon's 'Rugrats'
- Leander MacCallum: Canadian ice hockey player with three Stanley Cup championships
- Rashid Bey MacCallum: American professional wrestler and trainer
- Bill MacCallum: British historian and expert on the American Civil War
- Robert MacCallum: Scottish geologist, first Professor of Geology in the University of Edinburgh
- Stephen MacCallum: British veteran of the Royal Navy and engineer who was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, the highest award given for leading actions during the Second World War.