CALUM
Calum: translation
Calum m
Scottish Gaelic form of the Late Latin personal name Columba ‘dove’. This was popular among early Christians because the dove was a symbol of gentleness, purity, peace, and the Holy Spirit. St Columba (see also COLM (SEE Colm)) was one of the most influential of all the early Celtic saints. He was born in Donegal in 521 into a noble family, and was trained for the priesthood from early in life. He founded monastery schools at Durrow, Derry, and Kells, and then, in 563, sailed with twelve companions to Scotland, to convert the people there to Christianity. He established a monastery on the island of Iona, and from there converted the Pictish and Irish inhabitants of Scotland. He died in 597 and was buried at Down-patrick, along with St Patrick and St Brighid. See also COLIN (2) (SEE Colin).
Pet forms: Cally, Caley.
Feminine forms: Calumina, Calaminag.