CALUM

Calum: translation

Scottish Gaelicform of theLate Latinpersonal nameColumba‘dove’. This was popular among earlyChristiansbecause the dove was a symbol of gentleness, purity, peace, and the Holy Spirit. St Columba (see alsoCOLM(SEE Colm)) was one of the most influential of all the earlyCelticsaints. 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 toChristianity. He established a monastery on the island of Iona, and from there converted the Pictish andIrishinhabitants of Scotland. He died in 597 and was buried at Down-patrick, along with St Patrick and St Brighid. See alsoCOLIN (2)(SEE Colin).

Feminine forms:Calumina, Calaminag.