Kalem
Kalem is a boy's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Dove, peaceful, or speaker/interlocutor depending on etymological root.
Origin and history
Kalem is a masculine name with multiple potential origin roots, often considered a modern phonetic variant of Calum (from the Latin Columba, meaning 'dove') or tied to Greek and Arabic roots. In the United States, it remains a rare and distinct choice that has grown slightly in usage in recent decades.
Popularity in the United States
965 babies in the United States have been named Kalem since 1880. It ranks #3716 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1806.
States where it is most popular
- CA (46.2 %)
- TX (41 %)
- NY (12.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 0 |
| 1960-1970 | 0 |
| 1970-1980 | 39 |
| 1980-1990 | 126 |
| 1990-2000 | 184 |
| 2000-2010 | 209 |
| 2010-2019 | 286 |
| 2020-2029 | 121 |
Fun facts
- Kalem functions as a modern phonetic spelling of the Scottish Gaelic Calum, while also resembling the Arabic word for speaker or writer (Kalim/Qalam).
- Although uncommon with under 1,000 total recorded births since 1880, its usage has increased slightly in recent years.