Surname Calem - Meaning and Origin
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Calem: What does the surname Calem mean?
The last name Calem is a Portuguese surname, which is derived from the Latin term “calem” which means “warrior.” In Portuguese culture, Calem was a name that was often given to someone who had distinguished themselves in battle and was seen as a respected figure.
Generally, the Calem surname originated in areas of Portugal where the locals were heavily involved in farming and rural life. Over time, people with the Calem surname became known for their hard work, strength, and bravery which was comparable to a warrior. It is said that these individuals were often employed by the kings and nobles of the day, and thus sought after for their loyalty and protection.
Outside of Portugal, the Calem surname has spread to other parts of the world, notably South America. In Brazil, people with the Calem surname are often known to be generous, caring and loyal.
The Calem surname continues to be respected and revered throughout the lands where it originated, as it is a reminder of the strength and courage that was sought by our ancestors. It is a reminder of the hard work and dedication that was required to succeed, and a reminder of the honor and integrity that has been passed down through the generations.
Order DNA origin analysisCalem: Where does the name Calem come from?
The last name Calem is a relatively rare surname that is most commonly found in Spain, Portugal, and parts of Latin America. It is estimated that there are anywhere from 500 to 1,500 people with the last name Calem living in Spain today. Calem is also common in countries with large Hispanic populations, such as Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Venezuela. There are also a number of Calem families living in the United States, largely concentrated in California, as well as a few families in other parts of the world, such as Puerto Rico, France, and the Dominican Republic.
The origins of the Calem surname are thought to be Spanish in origin, though some sources suggest that it may be of Portuguese or Italian descent. There is no consensus on exactly how old the surname is, though records suggest that it has been around since at least the 16th century. Its exact meanings are unknown, though some theories suggest it could refer to someone who was a knowledgeable person, or perhaps a merchant or one of a similar profession.
Despite its rarity, the Calem surname has a long and proud history, with its many bearers passing down their legacy to their descendants in the form of stories, photographs, and other memorabilia. Today, the Calem surname serves as a reminder of the strong and resilient spirit of its ancestors, and those who bear the name wear it with great pride.
Variations of the surname Calem
The surname Calem is an interesting name, with a few different spellings and variants. The most common variant of this surname is Calame, while other variants include Calam, Calemme, Calamme, Calham, Challam, and Challame. It is an English surname of Norman origin, with earliest records dating back to the 13th century.
The original spelling of Calem is “Caleme”, which originated from the Old French word “calemme” meaning cool, peaceable, or gentle. This suggests that the surname likely indicated someone of a calm or gentle spirit.
Particularly in the United Kingdom, the variants of Calem often switch between the “e” and “a” at the end. In some instances, such as with the Challam variant, the spelling also shifts to include a doubled “l”. This difference in spelling can be attributed to accents of English or French that have evolved over time.
Historically, alternative forms of the name Calem have been found throughout England, primarily in London. However, today it is rare to come across someone who carries this surname.
Surnames that can be traced back to a similar source as Calem include Calwell, Callum, Callam, Callame, and Caulam. By researching in modern times, some of these alternative surnames may be more common than the original spelling of Calem.
Famous people with the name Calem
- Bruno Calem: a Brazilian singer, poet, and actor
- Yair Calem: a Brazilian speculative fiction author
- Eliezer Calem: an Israeli rabbi and posek
- Daniel Calem: an Israeli singer and songwriter
- Andressa Calem: a Brazilian actress and model
- Marianna Calem: an Argentinian lawyer, politician and ambassador
- Alejandro Calem: a Venezuelan fashion designer
- Elianne Calem: a Brazilian singer, songwriter and entrepreneur
- Tama Calem: an Israeli sculptor and artist
- Claudio Calem Neto: a Brazilian journalist and sports reporter