CALLENDAR

Callendar

Origin and Meaning

Callendar is a Scottish and Northern Irish surname that originated from the ancient lands of Callander in Perthshire, Scotland. The name is derived from the Gaelic words 'cala' meaning "hard" and 'darach' meaning "oak". The surname may also be of Norman origin, with variations such as de Calendre and Calandes being recorded.

History

The surname first appeared in written records in the 12th century, with Simon de Kalendar being recorded as a witness to a land charter in Stirlingshire, Scotland in 1198. The name has since spread across Scotland and Northern Ireland, with variants such as Kalendar, Callender, and Calander being commonly found.

Notable Bearers

• William James Callendar (1857-1937): A Scottish-born mechanical engineer known for his contributions to the field of thermodynamics.
• James Callender (c. 1758–c. 1803): A Scottish pamphleteer and journalist known for his critiques of the American government and his involvement in early American politics.
• George W. Callendar (1868–1952): A British physicist who made significant contributions to the field of heat measurements and thermometry.

Modern Distribution

Today, the surname Callendar is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the areas surrounding the town of Callander in Perthshire. It is also present in Northern Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom, as well as in countries with historical ties to the British Isles, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

• Brookes

Female

• Rita

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.