Calypso Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: kuh-LIP-so //kəˈlɪp.soʊ//
Origin: Greek; Latin
Meaning: she who conceals (Greek); nymph (Latin)
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Calypso has its roots in ancient Greek, derived from the verb "kalyptein," which means "to cover" or "to conceal." In Greek mythology, Calypso is a nymph who appears in Homer's epic poem, the "Odyssey," dating back to the 8th century BCE. She is known for her role in the story as the enchantress who detains the hero Odysseus on her island, Ogygia, for several years, symbolizing both allure and the theme of longing for home.
The name was later adopted into Latin as "Calypso," maintaining its original form and meaning, which eventually made its way into English through translations of classical texts and the influence of Renaissance literature. Throughout history, Calypso has been associated with themes of beauty, mystery, and the duality of desire and freedom.
The character of Calypso has inspired various works of art, literature, and music, reinforcing her significance in Western cultural narratives. The name has also been used in various adaptations and retellings of the "Odyssey," further embedding it in the literary canon.
In the 19th century, the name began to gain traction in the context of Romantic literature, where it was often used to evoke a sense of the exotic and the unattainable. Culturally, Calypso embodies the archetype of the enchanting woman who captivates and holds power over men, reflecting broader themes of femininity and agency in mythology.
The name has also been linked to the Caribbean musical genre known as calypso, which, while etymologically distinct, shares a spirit of celebration and storytelling. This connection highlights the enduring resonance of the name across different contexts, making it a symbol of both mythological and cultural richness.
Fictional characters named Calypso
The following list of fictional characters named Calypso is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
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Calypso is a fictional character from Greek mythology and various adaptations, including Homer's Odyssey. She is a nymph who holds Odysseus captive on her island, Ogygia, for several years, representing themes of love and longing.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Calypso, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Calypso was first seen in the United States in 1991.
Calypso has ranked as high as #5022 nationally, which occurred in 2025, and has been most popular in California, Florida, Texas, and Missouri.
In the past 5 years the name Calypso has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Calypso 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 Calypso 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 Calypso.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 59 | 59 |
| 2024 | 37 | 37 |
| 2023 | 36 | 36 |
| 2022 | 28 | 28 |
| 2021 | 18 | 18 |
| 2020 | 41 | 41 |
| 2019 | 32 | 32 |
| 2018 | 21 | 21 |
| 2017 | 25 | 25 |
| 2016 | 18 | 18 |
| 2015 | 15 | 15 |
| 2014 | 17 | 17 |
| 2013 | 16 | 16 |
| 2012 | 19 | 19 |
| 2011 | 19 | 19 |
| 2010 | 12 | 12 |
| 2009 | 15 | 15 |
| 2008 | 9 | 9 |
| 2007 | 7 | 7 |
| 2006 | 6 | 6 |
| 2005 | 7 | 7 |
| 2004 | 5 | 5 |
| 2003 | 9 | 9 |
| 2000 | 5 | 5 |
| 1999 | 6 | 6 |
| 1998 | 6 | 6 |
| 1995 | 5 | 5 |
| 1991 | 5 | 5 |
Top States for Calypso (2022)
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.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| FL | 7 |