Bright-headed or lover of churches
Derived from the Irish surname Ó Ceallacháin, it is most commonly associated with the 10th-century King of Munster, Ceallachán Caisil. The etymology likely stems from 'ceallach', meaning strife or church, combined with a diminutive suffix. In a modern context, it is used as a distinguished, multi-syllabic alternative to more common Irish imports.
Less common today
Callaghan isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #3,023 in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
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