Cali Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KAH-lee //ˈkɑːli//
Origin: English; Spanish; Greek
Meaning: English: 'beautiful'; Spanish: 'from Calista'; Greek: 'most beautiful'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Cali has its roots in the Latin word "calidus," meaning "warm" or "hot." This etymological origin reflects a connection to warmth and heat, which may have influenced its adoption in various cultures. The name is also associated with the Sanskrit word "kali," meaning "black" or "dark," which is significant in Hindu mythology as Kali is a goddess representing empowerment and destruction.
The transition of the name into English likely occurred through various cultural exchanges, particularly during the periods of colonial expansion and the influence of Latin on English vocabulary. Historically, the name Cali has been linked to various cultural and religious figures.
In the context of Hinduism, Kali is a prominent goddess worshipped since ancient times, with texts and practices surrounding her dating back to the early centuries of the Common Era. The name has also been used in various forms across different cultures, sometimes appearing as a diminutive or affectionate form of longer names, such as Calista, which means "most beautiful" in Greek.
This connection to beauty and strength has contributed to the name's enduring appeal. Culturally, the name Cali resonates with themes of warmth, beauty, and empowerment.
It has been embraced in various artistic and literary contexts, often symbolizing a strong, vibrant character. The name's association with the goddess Kali has also imbued it with a sense of mystique and reverence in certain traditions, highlighting the duality of creation and destruction.
Overall, the name Cali embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural significance that has evolved over centuries.
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Cali was first seen in the United States in 1959. Cali has ranked as high as #406 nationally, which occurred in 2014, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Cali has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Cali (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| FL | 58 | |
| CA | 46 | |
| NY | 43 | |
| TX | 39 | |
| GA | 35 | |
| OH | 31 | |
| PA | 23 | |
| NC | 23 | |
| IL | 18 | |
| MS | 18 | |
| TN | 18 | |
| VA | 18 | |
| MD | 17 | |
| AL | 17 | |
| NJ | 17 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1959 | 6 |
| 1962 | 5 |
| 1963 | 11 |
| 1965 | 5 |
| 1966 | 6 |
| 1967 | 6 |
| 1969 | 8 |
| 1970 | 7 |
| 1971 | 7 |
| 1972 | 9 |
| 1973 | 17 |
| 1974 | 16 |
| 1975 | 21 |
| 1976 | 22 |
| 1977 | 23 |
| 1978 | 30 |
| 1979 | 17 |
| 1980 | 29 |
| 1981 | 22 |
| 1982 | 43 |
| 1983 | 47 |
| 1984 | 46 |
| 1985 | 128 |
| 1986 | 96 |
| 1987 | 96 |
| 1988 | 76 |
| 1989 | 132 |
| 1990 | 148 |
| 1991 | 122 |
| 1992 | 128 |
| 1993 | 128 |
| 1994 | 111 |
| 1995 | 141 |
| 1996 | 171 |
| 1997 | 201 |
| 1998 | 235 |
| 1999 | 266 |
| 2000 | 277 |
| 2001 | 257 |
| 2002 | 284 |
| 2003 | 317 |
| 2004 | 346 |
| 2005 | 450 |
| 2006 | 482 |
| 2007 | 664 |
| 2008 | 740 |
| 2009 | 732 |
| 2010 | 757 |
| 2011 | 816 |
| 2012 | 946 |
| 2013 | 1,133 |
| 2014 | 1,663 |
| 2015 | 1,437 |
| 2016 | 1,200 |
| 2017 | 1,128 |
| 2018 | 1,188 |
| 2019 | 1,216 |
| 2020 | 1,087 |
| 2021 | 967 |
| 2022 | 842 |
| 2023 | 683 |
| 2024 | 618 |