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ArchivesPossible origins of the name Kallan?
Hi everyone,
I'm curious as to the possible origins of my first name, Kallan. I'm American, and I pronounce it like the first two syllables of calendar. My mom found it in a baby name book in the late 90s under the feminine names, but she also met a male Kallan (same spelling) when she was pregnant. According to Behind the Name, there's a Irish surname/male name Callen, that's pronounced the same as mine, but I was wondering if there are any particular origins to the spelling of my name, and if it has any historical usage as a feminine given name.
I found a link on Nameberry for Kallan as a feminine name, and they list it as "Scandinavian" meaning "stream" (http://nameberry.com/babyname/Kallan). From what I can tell, that comes from a Swedish surname, Källan. Källa means source or spring, according to Google translate, and -en is a definitive suffix. So, Källan, americanized as Kallan, became an American surname-turned-given name meaning "the source".
I was pretty set on this answer until I came across a Picasso painting called Kallan, featuring a woman with a pitcher of water (http://arthousereproductions.com/kallan-1923-pablo-picasso). If it hasn't really been used as a given name anywhere, or a word outside of Sweden, did he get it from the surname/word as well? Or is there somewhere else Picasso might have found it?
Thank you!
Kallan
I'm curious as to the possible origins of my first name, Kallan. I'm American, and I pronounce it like the first two syllables of calendar. My mom found it in a baby name book in the late 90s under the feminine names, but she also met a male Kallan (same spelling) when she was pregnant. According to Behind the Name, there's a Irish surname/male name Callen, that's pronounced the same as mine, but I was wondering if there are any particular origins to the spelling of my name, and if it has any historical usage as a feminine given name.
I found a link on Nameberry for Kallan as a feminine name, and they list it as "Scandinavian" meaning "stream" (http://nameberry.com/babyname/Kallan). From what I can tell, that comes from a Swedish surname, Källan. Källa means source or spring, according to Google translate, and -en is a definitive suffix. So, Källan, americanized as Kallan, became an American surname-turned-given name meaning "the source".
I was pretty set on this answer until I came across a Picasso painting called Kallan, featuring a woman with a pitcher of water (http://arthousereproductions.com/kallan-1923-pablo-picasso). If it hasn't really been used as a given name anywhere, or a word outside of Sweden, did he get it from the surname/word as well? Or is there somewhere else Picasso might have found it?
Thank you!
Kallan
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Replies
Hello fellow female Kallan here. I pronouce it the same way and also use calender to explain to people. I was born early 2000's and my parents found the name in a baby name book with the meaning stream. I have also found websites that list the meaning as: powerful or succesful in battle. I believe that is usually considered more masculine or unisex though. Other than that however I really have not found much about where it came from. I honestly have never met other Kallan in my life. I love my name especially because of it's uniquness. My thought is my parents named me with the meanings above in mind so thats what it means to me, but maybe later on we will be able to learn more.
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The painting
The Picasso you mention is originally called "La source" ("the source"). I assume "Kallan" is its Swedish name, a translation and not what Picasso actually called it - after all, the painting is currently in a Swedish museum.
The Picasso you mention is originally called "La source" ("the source"). I assume "Kallan" is its Swedish name, a translation and not what Picasso actually called it - after all, the painting is currently in a Swedish museum.
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Yup, its Swedish name is Källan and you can see it at Moderna Museet in Stockholm.
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I can tell you that Kallan is NOT used in Sweden, I've never heard it here. Källan is not a surname, but Käll is found. I don't know if it's derived from the word källa (pr. CHEL-luh), but it's true that källa means "source; spring" (stream would rather be bäck in Swedish) and källan means "the spring; the source".
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Thanks for your help! I guess it is most likely a creative spelling of Callen.
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Where did you get this? Edited
I understand that you want to help, but this is an etymology site. If you have information on a name you need to cite your sources, and you also need to make sure that they are reliable sources. I'm pretty sure that Kallan means neither beauty or Lily, it's more likely to be a kreativ spelling of Callan.
You assumed Kallan was a form of Kalla, which is a form of Calla. I doubt that is correct but I can understand why you thought it might be. You need to explain your theory.
I understand that you want to help, but this is an etymology site. If you have information on a name you need to cite your sources, and you also need to make sure that they are reliable sources. I'm pretty sure that Kallan means neither beauty or Lily, it's more likely to be a kreativ spelling of Callan.
You assumed Kallan was a form of Kalla, which is a form of Calla. I doubt that is correct but I can understand why you thought it might be. You need to explain your theory.
This message was edited 5/24/2016, 10:28 PM
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