Calihan

Calihan is a modern masculine name with Irish and Gaelic roots. It likely derives from the surname Callahan (from Irish 'Ó Ceallacháin'), meaning 'descendant of Ceallachán,' where Ceallachán referred to someone who was 'strife-loving' or 'contentious.' As a first name, Calihan represents the growing trend of transforming traditional surnames into given names. With its strong sound and Celtic heritage, Calihan offers a distinctive choice while maintaining a familiar ring. The name remains relatively uncommon, giving it a contemporary feel while honoring Irish ancestry. Parents might be drawn to Calihan for its masculine sound, easy nickname options (Cal or Cali), and its balance of uniqueness and pronounceability.

Calihan is also given to girls, where it ranks #12156 in the US.

Pronounced KAL-ih-han.

As of October 2026, Calihan ranked #4564 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #3027 in 2021.