Show ContentsCaldendar History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

A family in the Pictish tribe of ancient Scotland was the first to use the name Caldendar. They lived on the lands or barony of Callander in Perthshire. The name is quite mistakenly thought of as an occupational name derived from the trade of calendering or glossing cloth. Scholars seem to agree that this name was not related to the calendar of the months.

Early Origins of the Caldendar family

The surname Caldendar was first found in Perthshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Pheairt) former county in the present day Council Area of Perth and Kinross, located in central Scotland. "This place derives its name, of Gaelic origin, from an ancient ferry across the river Teath, the principal road to which lay within its limits." 1

Early History of the Caldendar family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Caldendar research. Another 108 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1200, 1296 and 1360 are included under the topic Early Caldendar History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Caldendar Spelling Variations

In medieval Scotland, names were more often spelled according to sound than any regular set of rules. An enormous number of spelling variations were the result. Over the years, the name Caldendar has been spelled Callander, Callender, Callandar, Callenter, Kalender, Calenter and many more.

Early Notables of the Caldendar family

More information is included under the topic Early Caldendar Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Caldendar family

In such difficult times, Ireland, Australia, and North America looked like better homes for many Scots. The trips were expensive and grueling, but also rewarding, as the colonies were havens for those unwelcome in the old country. That legacy did not die easily, though, and many were forced to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. The Scottish legacy has resurface in more recent times, though, through Clan societies, highland games, and other organizations. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the old Scottish name of Caldendar: William Callender who settled in Virginia in 1650; Alistair Callender settled in Boston in 1651; R. Callandar settled in New England in 1761; Alexander Callender is one of the 36 original signers of the Declaration of Independence about 1683 in South Carolina..



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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