All about the name
Kelman
Male
« Kelman is a rare Scottish given name derived from the Gaelic surname "Cailbhean," meaning "she who has fair hair." It was likely brought to Scotland by Viking invaders during the Middle Ages, with notable bearers including Sir John Kelman and Booker Prize-winning author James Kelman. Despite its uniqueness and historical significance, Kelman remains quite rare worldwide. »
#42001
since 1900
Meaning, origin, history
Kelman is a unique and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname "Cailbhean," which is believed to mean "she who has fair hair." The name is thought to have originated as a nickname for someone with light-colored hair, possibly as a derivative of the Old Norse word "kelda," meaning "spring" or "well."
The name Kelman first appeared in Scotland during the Middle Ages and was likely brought there by Viking invaders who settled in the region. Over time, the name became established as a Scottish surname and has since been adopted as a given name for both boys and girls.
Despite its Scottish origins, Kelman is not a particularly common name in Scotland or anywhere else in the world. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, there were only 13 babies named Kelman in the U.S. between 2000 and 2019, making it quite rare.
Kelman is often associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous Kelmans was Sir John Kelman, a Scottish merchant and financier who played a significant role in the establishment of the Bank of Scotland in 1695. Another notable figure was James Kelman, a Scottish novelist and short story writer who won the Booker Prize in 1994 for his novel "How Late It Was, How Late."
In literature, Kelman has also appeared as a character name in several works, such as the novel "Kelman" by Scottish author Neil Forsyth. The name's unique sound and its association with notable figures may contribute to its appeal as a distinctive given name.
Overall, Kelman is a rare and distinctive given name of Scottish origin that carries a unique meaning and history. Its association with notable figures throughout history adds to its intrigue and allure as a name choice for parents looking for something unique for their child.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Kelman since 1880
Total births
5
Total since 1880
Peak year
2008
5 births
in 2008
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years