California Girl
Origin(s)
Pronunciationkal-uh-FORN-yuh / /ˌkæl.ɪˈfɔːr.njə/Spanish; English
Meaning
Spanish: 'the land of the Califa'; English: 'beautiful' (derived from the state name)
Historical & Cultural Background
California is named after a fictional paradise described in the 16th-century Spanish novel 'Las Sergas de Esplandián'. The name became associated with the region during the Spanish colonization of the Americas. It has since evolved into a symbol of the diverse culture and geography of the state, known for its natural beauty and vibrant cities.
Trend Summary
The name California is rare as a given name but reflects a growing trend of place names being used for girls.
Similar Names
Variants
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International Variants
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Famous people named California
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Fictional characters named California
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Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name California was first seen in the United States in 1918. California has ranked as high as #1372 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in California. In the past 5 years the name California has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for California (2017)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 7 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1918 | 6 |
| 1919 | 5 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1995 | 6 |
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2004 | 9 |
| 2005 | 10 |
| 2006 | 15 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2008 | 9 |
| 2009 | 15 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2013 | 15 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2015 | 11 |
| 2016 | 13 |
| 2017 | 16 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 5 |