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Cali Girl

Popularity: #431 · Trend: ↘ Falling

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.

Famous people named Cali

Cali Lewis is a tech journalist best known for GeekBrief TV, her work with the Gadget Show, and her appearances at tech events.
Cali Swag District is a hip hop group best known for their hit single Teach Me How to Dougie.

Fictional characters named Cali

Cali is a fictional character from the video game series Fire Emblem. She is a character in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, known for her cheerful personality and strong sense of justice.

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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
10%
CA 46
8%
NY 43
8%
TX 39
7%
GA 35
6%
OH 31
6%
PA 23
4%
NC 23
4%
IL 18
3%
MS 18
3%
TN 18
3%
VA 18
3%
MD 17
3%
AL 17
3%
NJ 17
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19596
19625
196311
19655
19666
19676
19698
19707
19717
19729
197317
197416
197521
197622
197723
197830
197917
198029
198122
198243
198347
198446
1985128
198696
198796
198876
1989132
1990148
1991122
1992128
1993128
1994111
1995141
1996171
1997201
1998235
1999266
2000277
2001257
2002284
2003317
2004346
2005450
2006482
2007664
2008740
2009732
2010757
2011816
2012946
20131,133
20141,663
20151,437
20161,200
20171,128
20181,188
20191,216
20201,087
2021967
2022842
2023683
2024618