Calise is a unique and distinctive given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the Latin word "calix," which translates to "cup" or "chalice." In medieval Christian tradition, the chalice was used to hold wine during communion services, symbolizing the blood of Christ.
The name Calise is believed to have been popularized during the Middle Ages in Italy, where it was often given to boys as a way to honor the sacred object and its significance. Over time, however, the name has become more unisex, with both boys and girls being named Calise.
One of the most notable historical figures associated with the name Calise is Saint Calise, a 4th-century Christian martyr from Carthage (present-day Tunisia). According to legend, Saint Calise was tortured and executed for refusing to renounce his faith during the persecution of Christians under Roman Emperor Diocletian. His feast day is celebrated on March 7.
While the name Calise may not be as widely recognized or commonly used today compared to some other names with similar meanings, such as Chalice or Cupid, it still holds a unique and rich history that sets it apart from many other given names. Its Italian origins and associations with Christian tradition make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
In terms of its popularity, Calise is not listed among the most common names in any English-speaking country according to recent data from the Social Security Administration or other international sources like BabyCenter. However, this could be attributed to its rarity rather than a lack of appeal, as many people may simply be unaware of its existence or prefer more conventional names with similar meanings.
In conclusion, Calise is an uncommon yet captivating given name with Italian roots and deep historical significance. Its derivation from the Latin word "calix" gives it a direct connection to Christian tradition, while its rarity makes it a unique choice for parents seeking something special for their child. Despite not being widely recognized today, Calise has left its mark on history through figures like Saint Calise, ensuring that this distinctive name continues to hold meaning and intrigue for those who learn about its origins.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Calise has seen varying levels of popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest record available is from 1979, with 5 babies named Calise born that year. There was another spike in births with the name Calise in 1983, also with 5 births.
The number of newborns named Calise began to increase in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2000, there were 11 babies named Calise, which was a significant jump from previous years. This trend continued into the next few years, with 11 births each year between 2002 and 2003.
The peak popularity of the name Calise occurred in 2004, with 22 newborns given this name. This high level of popularity was maintained for a few years, with 21 births in 2005 and 26 births in 2006. However, after 2007, the number of babies named Calise began to decrease gradually.
From 2008 onwards, there were consistently around 18 to 32 births each year with the name Calise. The most recent data available is from 2023, with 18 newborns named Calise born that year.
In total, over the years from 1979 to 2023, there have been 476 babies named Calise born in the United States. These statistics illustrate how the popularity of the name Calise has fluctuated over time but has remained relatively consistent in recent years.