Last Name Kalland

The surname Kalland does not have a straightforward etymology that can be definitively traced to one specific region or language. However, it is generally believed to be of Scandinavian origin, with roots in Old Norse. The word "kall" in Old Norse means "rocky" or "stony," and "land" means "land." Therefore, the name Kalland could potentially mean "the stony land" or "the rocky area." It is worth noting that this interpretation is based on the meaning of the individual components of the surname and may not accurately reflect its historical development or original intent. The spread of Scandinavian surnames, including Kalland, across Europe was primarily due to Viking expansion and later colonialism, as well as migration during the Middle Ages. The name could have also been formed through various processes such as nicknames, occupational names, or place-name derivations in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, or Iceland. For a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the origin of the surname Kalland, further research may be required, considering factors like geographical location, historical context, and genealogical records.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kalland

The meaning and origin of the last name Kalland

The surname Kalland is of Norwegian origin, derived from a topographical name for someone who lived by a small or narrow land area. "Kall" in Old Norse means 'bare' or 'naked', and "land" means 'land'. It could refer to someone living on a barren piece of land, or it may have been used as a descriptive nickname for someone with a particular appearance or personality. The name is most common in Norway but has also spread to other Scandinavian countries and beyond through immigration. Over time, variations of the spelling have emerged due to changes in pronunciation and transliteration, such as Kallanden, Kalaland, and Kallantz.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kalland

The geographical distribution of the surname Kalland is predominantly found in Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway and Sweden, due to its Nordic origins. A significant number of people with the surname Kalland reside in Norway, where it is most commonly spelled as "Kaland." In Sweden, variations like "Kallander" are also present. Smaller populations can be found in other countries with Norwegian and Swedish immigration histories, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. The surname Kalland may derive from various places in Norway, including Kalland in Troms, Kaland in Nord-Trøndelag, and Kallandsmoen in Sogn og Fjordane counties. It is also possible that the name originated from the Old Norse word "kallr," meaning 'rocky' or 'stony,' which could refer to a geographical location.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kalland

The surname Kalland has several variations and spelling derivatives across different regions and languages. Some common variations include Kaland, Kaland, Calland, and Kallend. These variations may occur due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors during immigration or data entry, or changes over time as a result of phonetic shifts. Additionally, some family branches might have intentionally altered their surnames for various reasons, leading to additional spelling variations. It is essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate distinct familial lineages but rather may reflect geographical or historical influences on the original name.

Famous people with the last name Kalland

Notable individuals with the surname Kalland include:

1. Ole Kalland (born 1946), a Norwegian politician who served as Minister of Transport and Communications from 2007 to 2008.

2. Bjørn Erik Kalland (born 1956), a Norwegian author, translator, playwright, and former journalist who won the Brage Prize in 2003 for his children's book "Dronningen fra Måneklukkane."

3. Anne Karin Kalland (born 1978), a Norwegian politician from the Labour Party who has served as Minister of Trade and Industry since 2021.

4. Kjetil Kallestad (born 1969), a Norwegian former ski jumper, Olympic medalist, and World Champion. He won two bronze medals at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano.

5. Ingrid Kalland (born 1972), a Norwegian actress who has appeared in numerous films and television series, including "Elling" and "Lilyhammer."

Genealogical research on the last name Kalland

The surname Kalland is of Norwegian origin and is believed to have derived from the Old Norse word 'kalsland,' meaning 'calm land.' It was originally used as a descriptive nickname for someone who lived on a calm or peaceful piece of land.

One notable individual with the last name Kalland is Norwegian journalist and author, Ole Edvart Rølvaag (1876-1931), whose original surname was Kalland before adopting his mother's maiden name for literary purposes. Other notable bearers of the Kalland name include Swedish actor, Björn Kjellman (born 1945) and Norwegian footballer, Harald Kalland (born 1982).

The Kalland family is also known to have immigrated to North America in the late 19th century, with many settling in the United States. Notable American descendants of the Kalland family include Norwegian-American artist, Tormod Kvaløy Kalland (1908-2003), and American writer, Mary Kaldor Sewell (1875-1946).

Overall, the Kalland surname has a rich history, with notable bearers hailing from Norway, Sweden, and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kalland"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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