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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Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Caillou?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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
Most popular combo · classic
Caillou Rose
Floral · soft ending
Caillou Mae
Sweet · timeless
Caillou Claire
French influence · crisp
Caillou Jane
Literary · strong
Caillou Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Caillou right now?
Holding steady — currently #1771 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
💎Caillou has only 247 total recorded births since 2001 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Caillou?
Famous people named Caillou
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Caillou (French philosopher)
Caillou carried this name in the Enlightenment tradition that shaped modern Western thought.
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Caillou (medieval French noble)
Caillou held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.
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Caillou (French author)
Caillou immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
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Caillou (French monarch)
Caillou bore this name in the French royal court, spreading its aristocratic prestige across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Caillou?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Caillou also consider these
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.