A surname of Irish origin, also referring to John C. Calhoun, influential American politician. Can also be a place name.
From Irish Ó Collaghain, meaning 'descendant of Collaghan'. Collaghan derives from ceallach 'warrior' or 'bright-headed'. The name came to America with Irish immigration.
John C. Calhoun's political theory of 'concurrent majorities' argued that minority groups should have veto power over majority decisions - ironically, he used this to defend slavery while creating concepts later used in civil rights arguments. The surname's warrior etymology fits his combative political style.
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