Surname Callander - Meaning and Origin
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Callander: What does the surname Callander mean?
The last name Callander is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic words cal or gall and andair, which means ‘stranger’ or ‘foreigner’. Historically, it was used to refer to people who had come to Scotland from other countries or regions, such as the Vikings. Over time, the last name developed further, gaining two possible locations of origin - one near Loch Faskally in the Strathtay area of Scotland, and one from a place called Callander in the old county of Stirlingshire.
The people of the Clan Callander were a sept of the Clan Murray, one of the oldest and largest clans of Scotland, with members playing an important role in the history of the country. The Callanders were highly respected physicians and academics, as well as staunch warriors and supporters of the Stuart cause during the Jacobite risings.
The Clan Callander shared many characteristics with other Lowland Scots clans, including a strong sense of loyalty to their clan chief and a deep devotion to their faith. Clan members were also known for their hardy character and industrious nature, often working their way up the social ladder by serving their masters with distinction.
Today, Callander is a popular surname throughout Scotland, reflecting its distinguished past. While Callander households are scattered throughout Scotland and beyond, numerous historic sites still remain in tribute to the Clan Callander's importance. These places include a number of castles, monuments, and other landmarks that cement its place in the long and prosperous history of Scotland.
Order DNA origin analysisCallander: Where does the name Callander come from?
The last name Callander can be found primarily in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Canada- although it may be found around the world. The first record of the last name Callander can be traced to 12th century Scotland when a family of Callanders lived near Lochawe in an area known today as Lochawe, Argyll.
The name is especially popular in Scotland where it is among the 100 most common surnames. According to the 1891 census, the Callander name was most commonly concentrated in the town of Crieff in Perthshire. In Northern Ireland, people bearing the last name Callander are most commonly found in Belfast and Antrim County.
In Canada, the name is most commonly found in the provinces of Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta. These provinces have the highest concentrations of people with the surname Callander, based on the 2016 Canadian Census.
The Callander name is thought to be an Anglicised version of the Gaelic and Celtic name MacCalandair, which roughly translates to "son of the challenger". The origins are associated with the Clan MacLaren, and the Callanders are traditionally regarded as septs of MacLaren.
So, the last name Callander can be found mainly in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Canada; however, it can be found all around the world.
Variations of the surname Callander
The surname Callander has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Calgandor, Callan, Callender, Callendar, Cullander, Kellender, Kellendear, Kellender, and Kellinder.
The surname Callander is most likely derived from the Gaelic phrase "coille an darach," meaning the "thicket of the oaks." The surname was likely first used among the ancient Gaelic people of Scotland.
The earliest recorded variation of the surname dates back to the early 13th century in Scotland. The most likely to be found today is Callander, which has been a common spelling since the 18th century.
The surname Callander has also been spelled in a variety of ways over the centuries. These spellings include: Calgandor, Callan, Callender, Callendar, Cullander, Kellender, Kellendear, Kellender, and Kellinder.
The surname Callander is especially common amongst Scottish families. Although it is primarily found in Scotland, it is not uncommon to find Callander families living in other parts of the United Kingdom, as well as in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name Callander
- Ansley Callander: Canadian professional soccer player
- August Callander: American music producer, rapper and YouTuber
- Brendan Callander: Australian actor and musician
- Edith Callander: American stage and silent film actress
- Gavin Callander: British folk singer-songwriter
- George Callander: Australian professional basketball player
- Jean Callander: British anti-slavery author and speaker
- Jessica Callander: Canadian Olympic swimmer
- Josh Callander: Canadian country music singer-songwriter
- Lucille Callander: American Second World War correspondent
- Matthew Callander: Canadian actor and host of Ontario's Got Talent
- Sam Callander: British stage, film and television actor
- William Callander: English painter and engraver active in the 19th century
- Stanley Callander: Australian biochemist and Bishop of Newcastle within the Anglican Church of Australia