Show ContentsCalender History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancient Pictish-Scottish family that first used the name Calender 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 Calender family

The surname Calender 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 Calender family

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

Calender Spelling Variations

The arts of spelling and translation were yet in their infancies when surnames began, so there are an enormous number of spelling variations of the names in early Scottish records. This is a particular problem with Scottish names because of the numerous times a name might have been loosely translated to English from Gaelic and back. Calender has been spelled Callander, Callender, Callandar, Callenter, Kalender, Calenter and many more.

Early Notables of the Calender family

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


Canada Calender migration to Canada +

This oppression forced many Scots to leave their homelands. Most of these chose North America as their destination. Although the journey left many sick and poor, these immigrants were welcomed the hardy with great opportunity. Many of these settlers stood up for their newfound freedom in the American War of Independence. More recently, Scots abroad have recovered much of their collective heritage through highland games and other patriotic functions and groups. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has located various settlers bearing the name Calender:

Calender Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Mr. William Calender U.E. born in Scotland who settled in Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1783 member of the Port Matoon Association 2


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X


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