Show ContentsCalo History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Calo is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was a name for someone who was a shy or introverted person. An alternate derivation of the surname comes from the Old English, where Callow means the bald or bare hill. In such a case it could have been a nickname for a bald person, or a name given to someone who lived near a prominent treeless hill.

Early Origins of the Calo family

The surname Calo was first found in Worcestershire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Calo family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Calo research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) covering the year 1487 is included under the topic Early Calo History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Calo Spelling Variations

Calo has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Calo have been found, including Callow, Calow and others.

Early Notables of the Calo family

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


United States Calo migration to the United States +

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Calos to arrive on North American shores:

Calo Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Belarmino Calo, aged 36, who arrived in New York City, New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Cabo Tres Forcas" from Sevilla & Narzo 1
  • Pantaleo Calo, aged 43, originally from Molfetta, Italy, who arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Taormina" from Napoli, Italy 1
  • Rosa Calo, aged 21, originally from Molfetta, Italy, who arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Taormina" from Napoli, Italy 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Calo (post 1700) +

  • José López Calo (1922-2020), Spanish musicologist from Porto do Son, Spain
  • Francesco Calò (b. 1749), Italian painter of the late-Baroque period
  • Galinho Caló (b. 1946), Portuguese retired footballer
  • Carla Calò (b. 1926), Italian actress and voice actress
  • Romano Calò (1883-1952), Italian film actor who appeared in 30 films between 1913 and 1945
  • Eugenio Calò (1906-1944), Italian soldier who was posthumously awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valour
  • Calo Fonseca (b. 1959), American artist


  1. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result


Houseofnames.com on Facebook