Caillou

“Pebble” — Embodies traits of curiosity and playfulness

French origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1771US 2023

429Births / yr

→Stable

247All-time births

📅 Since 200100

How to pronounce Caillou

KAY·LLOO

/ˈkeɪ.ˈlluː/ · stress on KAY · 2 syllables

“Pebble”

Embodies traits of curiosity and playfulness · French origin

What does Caillou mean and where does it come from?

Caillou is a name of French origin and means 'pebble' or 'stone' in French. It is best known as the title character of the popular children's television series 'Caillou,' which was adapted from a series of children's books. The character embodies traits of curiosity and playfulness, making the name

Cultural significance

Caillou has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pebble.

Peak popularity

Reached #2736 in 2001 — currently #1771 in the US.

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How else can you spell Caillou?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Kaillou

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Caillou?

Caillou works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Caillou Grace

How popular is Caillou right now?

Holding steady — currently #1771 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2005–2023#1771 · Top 1.3%

2005

2010

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1771	429	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2022	#1776	409	▲ up 5 · +8% births
2021	#1781	379	▲ up 6093 · +3690% births
2015	#7874	10	▼ down 1238 · -23% births
2010	#6636	13	▼ down 2443 · -41% births
2005	#4193	22	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Caillou

Best Year2023Rank #1771

Peak Count429

Average Rank#4005

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2005 - 20236 years

The story of Caillou

Caillou is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2001. With 247 total births recorded, Caillou remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4193 in 2005 to #1771 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Caillou in 2001:

Jacob Michael Matthew Joshua Christopher

💎Caillou has only 247 total recorded births since 2001 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Caillou?

Common

CaiCaieCayIllou

Famous people named Caillou

Caillou (French philosopher)

Caillou carried this name in the Enlightenment tradition that shaped modern Western thought.

Caillou (medieval French noble)

Caillou held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.

Caillou (French author)

Caillou immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.

Caillou (French monarch)

Caillou bore this name in the French royal court, spreading its aristocratic prestige across Europe.

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What names sound and feel like Caillou?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Caillou also consider these

Arabic · A Arabic name

Fallou

Senegal · he who is

Ami-lou

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Carillo

Latin · A Latin name

Common questions about the name Caillou

What does the name Caillou mean?

Caillou means "Pebble" — a name rooted in French tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Caillou?

Caillou is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Caillou?

Caillou originates from French tradition. French names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Caillou?

Caillou is a two-syllable name pronounced K EY1 L L UW1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Caillou a common or rare name?

Caillou is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.