First found in Bremen, where this family made important contributions toward the development of this district from ancient times. Always prominent in social and political affairs, the family formed alliances with other families within the Feudal System and the nation. Ancient chronicles first mention Herman Kalleman of Bremen in the year 1476. The medieval German word "Kalle" referred to water, and was taken on in various forms as a surname all along the North Sea coast and in Westphalia. Thus chronicles also mention Johann von Calle of Bremen in 1313. Bremen, including the port city Bremerhaven, is Germany's smallest state. A bishop's residence since 787, Bremen became an archbishop's seat in 847. As early as 1358 Bremen held the status of a "Reichsstadt," an Imperial City that was subject only to the Emperor. Although some of its surrounding territory belonged to Sweden after 1648, as well as to the Kingdom of Hannover in 1715, Bremen entered the German Federation in 1815 as a Free City. Bremen was not built by Dukes or Kings, but by its own citizens -- bearers of the name participated in this city's rise to prominence as a trading center.

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Johann Kallman, who came to New York City in 1846. He was accompanied by six other members of this family. John Kallmann arrived in Philadelphia in 1856..

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