Surname MacCalume - Meaning and Origin

MacCalume: What does the surname MacCalume mean?

The surname MacCalume is of Scottish origin. It’s a derivative of "MacCallum", which itself is derived from the Gaelic "MacChaluim," meaning "son of Calum." The name "Calum" is the Scottish Gaelic variant of the English name "Malcolm." Therefore, the MacCalume last name essentially implies "son of Malcolm." Malcolm was a popular given name among the Scots, owing its popularity to Saint Columba's disciple named Malcolm and King Malcolm III of Scotland. As typical of patronymic surnames, it was initially utilized to identify people by their fathers or ancestors. The different spellings of the name, including MacCalume, can be attributed to the error of translation from Gaelic to English over the years. Although it originated in Scotland, this surname has spread to different parts of the world, especially in territories where the Scots migrated or explored, such as the United States of America, Canada, and Australia.

MacCalume: Where does the name MacCalume come from?

The surname MacCalume originates from Scotland. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name "Callum," which is the Scottish Gaelic equivalent of "Columba." The prefix "Mac" signifies "son of," thus, MacCalume means "son of Callum." Over time, various spellings of the surname were used including MacCallum, McCollum, and Malcolm. Historically, many members of the MacCallum clan lived in the region of Argyll.

Today, the surname MacCalume and its variations remain most common in Scotland and among individuals of Scottish descent. In particular, it can be found in areas where Scottish immigrants settled, such as North America (especially in the United States and Canada), Australia, and New Zealand.

Additionally, due to historical migrations and displacements, the surname may also be found in Ireland, though it is less common there. It's important to note that the modern worldwide distribution of this surname has become more dispersed due to globalization.

Variations of the surname MacCalume

The surname MacCalume is of Scottish origin and is a patronymic form of the personal name, Malcolm. Variants of this surname may include McCalum, McCollum, McCalmont, MacCallum, McAlum, McKenzie, and Malcolm. The spelling variations can be attributed to an enormous number of spelling variations in names that evolved in a time when spelling wasn't yet standardized.

Different branches of the family name may also have developed distinctly different spellings over time. In former times, a family's holding, a place to which the family lived and worked, was the source of the surname. Consequently, whether a man lived in the north, south, east, or west of the country, he would have different features of the local scenery from which to draw when picking a surname.

The usage of "Mac" or "Mc" at the beginning of these surnames denotes "son of" in Gaelic culture. Pertaining to surnames of the same origin, some possibly relevant names include MacColl, MacCulloch, MacHale, and MacLean, though these specifically originate from different first names.

Famous people with the name MacCalume

• Justin MacCallum: Actor
• Barry MacCallum: British Politician
• Gary MacCallum: Hockey Player
• Theresa MacCallum: Actor
• Jennie MacCallum: Singer
• Douglas MacCallum: Artist
• Martin MacCallum: Singer/Songwriter
• Ryan MacCallum: Actor
• Dan MacCallum: Politician
• Laura MacCallum: Television Producer

Other surnames

MacCaluim