Calissa is a unique and captivating feminine given name of Greek origin. The name Calissa is derived from the ancient Greek word "Kalliste", which means "most beautiful". It was popularized by the French writer Jean-Pierre Claris de Florian, who used it as the title character in his pastoral novel "Calisse" published in 1788.
The name Calissa has a distinct and elegant sound that is often associated with grace and charm. Its Greek origins give it a timeless and classic feel, while its unique spelling makes it stand out among more common names. Despite its rarity, Calissa has been embraced by many as a beautiful and memorable name choice for girls.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who have carried the name Calissa. One of the most well-known is French singer Cali (born Cécilia de Villers), who goes by her stage name Cali, short for Calissa. She gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s with her unique blend of folk, pop, and electronic music.
In literature, Calissa has been used as a character name in several works, including "The Island of Doctor Moreau" by H.G. Wells and "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas. In both cases, the character named Calissa plays a significant role in the story's plot.
Overall, Calissa is an enchanting feminine given name with a rich history and captivating meaning. Its Greek origins give it a timeless quality, while its unique spelling makes it stand out among more common names. Whether you're looking for a distinctive name for your daughter or simply appreciate beautiful and meaningful names, Calissa is certainly worth considering.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Calissa has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. The first recorded birth with the name Calissa occurred in 1962, with only 6 babies being named Calissa that year.
Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, the number of births with the name Calissa remained relatively low, ranging from 5 to 7 births per year. However, starting in 1986, there was a notable increase in popularity, with 9 births recorded that year.
This trend continued into the 1990s, with the highest number of births recorded in 1998 and 1999, at 21 and 47 respectively. This suggests that Calissa was becoming an increasingly popular choice for parents during this time period.
The popularity of the name Calissa peaked in the early 2000s, with a total of 49 births recorded in 2001, followed by 32 births in 2002. Since then, the popularity of the name has fluctuated somewhat, but it has remained relatively consistent, with around 10-30 births per year from 2004 to 2015.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Calissa has continued to decline, with only 7 births recorded in 2023. Overall, however, the name Calissa has become more common over time, with a total of 883 babies named Calissa born in the United States between 1962 and 2023. This demonstrates that while Calissa may not have been a widely popular name initially, it has since gained traction among parents looking for unique and distinct names for their children.