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Calen

Boy name · 3 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Calen: 3 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 3 births in 2013.

With roots in Scottish Gaelic, Calen is most often a modern variant of Cailean—meaning “whelp” or “young dog”—a name borne by early Scottish chiefs and still common as Colin. Alternatively, it can be a spelling twist on Calvin, from Latin *calvus* (“bald”), or an Irish form of Caelan (“slender”). The name has gained visibility through Canadian hockey defenceman Calen Addison and American footballer Calen Bullock. While no major place bears the name directly, the similarly rooted Calne in England shares an Old English origin meaning “a river”. Calen’s rising popularity in Scotland mirrors that of Caleb and Callum, and its soft but sturdy sound makes it a fresh choice for parents seeking a name that feels both traditional and contemporary.