Callian History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

The ancestors of the Callian family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from the Scottish name MacCallum, which means "the son of the gillie of Callum." However, the full form of the name was used until the 17th century. The Callums were an import branch of the Clan McLeod of Raasay.

Early Origins of the Callian family

The surname Callian was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they held a family seat from very early times.

Early History of the Callian family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Callian research. Another 126 words (9 lines of text) covering the year 1636 is included under the topic Early Callian History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Callian Spelling Variations

Medieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, Callian has been spelled Callum, MacColum, MacCallum, Colum, Callam, Callem, Calam and many more.

Early Notables of the Callian family

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

Migration of the Callian family to Ireland

Some of the Callian family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Callian family

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Callian were among those contributors: Patrick Callum who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1868.

The Callian Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: In ardua tendit
Motto Translation: He reaches towards things difficult of attainment.