Kalli is a unique and distinctive name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "kallos," which means beauty. The name Kalli is often used for females, but it can also be used for males.
The use of the name Kalli dates back to ancient Greece, where it was commonly used as a nickname or short form of names such as Kallisto and Kalliphae. In Greek mythology, Kallisto was a nymph who was transformed into a bear by the goddess Hera. Despite its historical roots, the name Kalli remains popular today and is often chosen for its simplicity and elegance.
One notable figure with the name Kalli is Kallimachos, an ancient Greek poet who lived in the 3rd century BCE. He was known for his hymns to Zeus and other gods, as well as his erotic poetry. Although not as famous as some of his contemporaries, such as Theocritus or Callimachus, Kallimachos was highly regarded by scholars for his skillful use of language.
Today, the name Kalli is still used in Greece and among Greek communities around the world. It has also gained popularity elsewhere, with some parents choosing it for its unique sound and meaning. Whether as a given name or a nickname, Kalli remains a beautiful and timeless choice.
The name Kalli has been a relatively uncommon choice for parents in the United States over the past seven decades. According to data from the Social Security Administration, there have been a total of 5,216 births with the name Kalli since 1952.
The name's popularity has varied significantly over time. In the early years, between 1952 and 1970, there were fewer than 10 births per year on average. However, starting in 1970, the number of annual births with the name Kalli began to increase steadily.
The peak popularity of the name occurred in 2007, with a total of 259 births that year. This was followed by another strong year in 2008, with 207 births. After these peaks, the number of annual births with the name Kalli began to decline gradually.
By 2013, the number of annual births had fallen below 200 for the first time since the late 1960s. This trend has continued in recent years, with only 48 births recorded in 2021 and 55 births in 2023.
Overall, while Kalli may not be a highly popular name in terms of sheer numbers, it has been consistently present in the US baby naming landscape for several decades. Parents who choose this name may appreciate its unique sound and spelling, as well as its relatively rare usage compared to more common names.