Show ContentsColum History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Colum

What does the name Colum mean?

Colum is one of the names derived from the families of the ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland. It is derived 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 Colum family

The surname Colum 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 Colum family

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

Colum Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents Colum has been spelled Callum, MacColum, MacCallum, Colum, Callam, Callem, Calam and many more.

Early Notables of the Colum family

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

Migration of the Colum family to Ireland

Some of the Colum 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 Colum family

The hardy Scots who made the crossing settled all along the east coast of North America and in the great west that was just then opening up. At the time of the American War of Independence, many United Empire Loyalists moved north from the American colonies to Canada. Scottish national heritage became better known in North America in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic events. An examination of immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Colum arrived in North America very early: Patrick Callum who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1868.


Contemporary Notables of the name Colum (post 1700) +

  • Padraic Colum, Irish poet and dramatist
  • Pádraic Colum (1881-1972), Irish poet/playwright
  • Colum Hourihane, Irish-born art historian, iconographer, and editor formerly of Princeton University, specializing in medieval art and iconographic studies
  • Colum McKinstry (1949-2021), Gaelic football manager and player from Northern Ireland
  • Colum Convey, Irish Film and Television Award nominated actor, known for An Everlasting Piece (2000), As the Beast Sleeps (2002) and Holy Cross (2003)
  • Colum Corless (1922-2015), Irish hurler who played as a right corner-back for the Galway senior team (1948-1954)
  • Colum "Shaggy" Halpenny (b. 1979), English professional rugby league footballer


The Colum 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.


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