Calvary Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KAL-vuh-ree //ˈkæl.və.ri//
Origin: Latin; English
Meaning: place of the skull (Latin); related to the crucifixion (English)
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Calvary is derived from the Latin word "calvaria," which means "skull." This term is a translation of the Greek "Kranion," which also refers to a skull. The name is most famously associated with the biblical site of Golgotha, where, according to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified.
The term Calvary entered the English language through the Latin Vulgate, a late 4th-century Latin translation of the Bible, which used "Calvariae" to denote this significant location in Christian theology. The name's journey into English can thus be traced from Hebrew to Greek, then to Latin, and finally into Middle English, where it became more widely recognized in the context of Christian teachings and literature.
Historically, Calvary has been a symbol of sacrifice and redemption, deeply rooted in Christian tradition. The crucifixion of Jesus at Calvary is a pivotal event in Christianity, marking the culmination of his earthly ministry and the foundation of the faith's beliefs regarding salvation and resurrection.
The term has been used in various religious texts and hymns throughout the centuries, reinforcing its significance. Notably, the King James Bible, published in 1611, further popularized the term in English-speaking Christian communities, solidifying its place in religious discourse.
Culturally, Calvary evokes themes of suffering, hope, and divine love, resonating deeply within Christian art, literature, and worship practices. The name is often associated with the concept of the "Way of the Cross," which commemorates the events leading to the crucifixion.
In some traditions, the name may also be linked to the idea of pilgrimage, as many Christians seek to visit sites associated with the crucifixion. While Calvary is not commonly used as a personal name, its historical and spiritual connotations contribute to its enduring presence in religious contexts.
Sibling suggestions
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Calvary was first seen in the United States in 1998.
Calvary has ranked as high as #7111 nationally, which occurred in 2025, and has been most popular in .
In the past 5 years the name Calvary has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Calvary is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Calvary was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Calvary.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 35 | 20 | 15 |
| 2024 | 22 | 8 | 14 |
| 2023 | 23 | 10 | 13 |
| 2022 | 16 | 9 | 7 |
| 2021 | 15 | 7 | 8 |
| 2020 | 16 | 9 | 7 |
| 2018 | 17 | 7 | 10 |
| 2017 | 23 | 7 | 16 |
| 2016 | 13 | 6 | 7 |
| 2015 | 14 | 9 | 5 |
| 2014 | 15 | 6 | 9 |
| 2013 | 14 | 5 | 9 |
| 2012 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| 2011 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 2010 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 2009 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 2005 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 1998 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
Top States for Calvary
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
No state data available for this year.