Cali Name Meaning

The name Cali is a girl’s name of Latin origin, meaning “young warrior” or “freeborn servant.” But, let’s be real, the name Cali is most commonly associated with one place: California.

Origins of the Name Cali

That’s right, the name Cali is often thought to be short for the Golden State itself. And with California being known for its sunny beaches, Hollywood glitz, and laid-back vibes, it’s no wonder parents might want to name their daughter after this West Coast paradise.

But the connection between the name Cali and California isn’t just a modern association. The state itself was named after a mythical island paradise in a 16th-century Spanish novel. And, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the allure of California as a “land of opportunity” helped fuel the state’s population boom and the naming of towns, streets, and babies alike.

Popularity of the Name Cali

The popularity of the name Cali has been on the rise in recent years. According to the Social Security Administration, the name Cali was not even in the top 1000 names for baby girls in the United States for most of the 20th century. But, since 2000, it has steadily been climbing the charts, reaching a peak at number 599 in 2018.

But it’s not just parents in California choosing the name. Cali has become a popular choice for parents all over the United States. And, with the name’s Latin roots and association with the cool and chic California lifestyle, it’s easy to see why.

Final Thoughts on the Name Cali

One of the best things about the name Cali is all the fun nicknames that come along with it. Cali can be shortened to “Cali girl” or “Cal,” and it’s easy to see why this playful name is a hit with parents.

So, whether you’re a California native looking to pay homage to the Golden State or just love the sound of the name Cali, this girl’s name is one that’s sure to turn heads. With its strong Latin roots, association with the California lifestyle, and fun nicknames, it’s no wonder the name Cali is becoming increasingly popular among parents.

Infographic of Cali name meaning, which is A shortened version of Calista, Cali means beautiful one.
Ask your friends & family about Cali…

Cali Name Popularity

How popular is the name Cali? Here’s everything we know.

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 — 0 0%
1911 — 0 0%
1912 — 0 0%
1913 — 0 0%
1914 — 0 0%
1915 — 0 0%
1916 — 0 0%
1917 — 0 0%
1918 — 0 0%
1919 — 0 0%
1920 — 0 0%
1921 — 0 0%
1922 — 0 0%
1923 — 0 0%
1924 — 0 0%
1925 — 0 0%
1926 — 0 0%
1927 — 0 0%
1928 — 0 0%
1929 — 0 0%
1930 — 0 0%
1931 — 0 0%
1932 — 0 0%
1933 — 0 0%
1934 — 0 0%
1935 — 0 0%
1936 — 0 0%
1937 — 0 0%
1938 — 0 0%
1939 — 0 0%
1940 — 0 0%
1941 — 0 0%
1942 — 0 0%
1943 — 0 0%
1944 — 0 0%
1945 — 0 0%
1946 — 0 0%
1947 — 0 0%
1948 — 0 0%
1949 — 0 0%
1950 — 0 0%
1951 — 0 0%
1952 — 0 0%
1953 — 0 0%
1954 — 0 0%
1955 — 0 0%
1956 — 0 0%
1957 — 0 0%
1958 — 0 0%
1959 — 0 0%
1960 — 0 0%
1961 — 0 0%
1962 — 0 0%
1963 — 0 0%
1964 — 0 0%
1965 — 0 0%
1966 — 0 0%
1967 — 0 0%
1968 — 0 0%
1969 — 0 0%
1970 — 0 0%
1971 — 0 0%
1972 — 0 0%
1973 — 0 0%
1974 2,514 5 0.0004%
1975 — 0 0%
1976 — 0 0%
1977 — 0 0%
1978 — 0 0%
1979 — 0 0%
1980 — 0 0%
1981 — 0 0%
1982 2,870 6 0.0004%
1983 2,822 6 0.0004%
1984 2,680 7 0.0005%
1985 1,223 64 0.0042%
1986 1,661 30 0.002%
1987 1,336 53 0.0035%
1988 2,159 18 0.0012%
1989 1,255 75 0.0046%
1990 1,158 100 0.006%
1991 1,450 60 0.0037%
1992 1,327 78 0.0049%
1993 1,446 63 0.004%
1994 1,438 63 0.0041%
1995 1,217 89 0.0059%
1996 1,101 113 0.0075%
1997 1,011 138 0.0093%
1998 900 185 0.0124%
1999 803 219 0.0146%
2000 828 221 0.0145%
2001 913 197 0.0131%
2002 826 229 0.0153%
2003 788 263 0.0173%
2004 754 298 0.0196%
2005 619 411 0.0269%
2006 604 438 0.028%
2007 481 637 0.0404%
2008 419 713 0.0461%
2009 431 691 0.0462%
2010 408 726 0.0504%
2011 380 792 0.0556%
2012 327 910 0.0639%
2013 273 1,114 0.0782%
2014 197 1,633 0.1121%
2015 227 1,412 0.097%
2016 257 1,181 0.0819%
2017 281 1,094 0.0784%
2018 267 1,165 0.0848%
2019 267 1,181 0.0872%
2020 291 1,043 0.0819%
2021 338 851 0.0696%
2022 375 808 0.0612%

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Data via SSA.gov.

Names Like Cali

If you like Cali, you’ll love these other names like Cali.

What names sound like Cali?

If you like how Cali sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Cali.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Cal

Lovely one; beautiful flower

Greek

Cala

Castle, fortress

Arabic

Calie

Beautiful, lovely

Greek

Calli

Lovely one; beautiful flower; most beautiful; heated, with warmth; cup; fairest, most beautiful; beautiful, lovely

Spanish

Kali

The black one

Indian (Sanskrit)

What names are similar to Cali?

Find a name that’s like Cali, but just a little bit different.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Bali

Berry clearing; bailiff; city fortification

English

Caci

Alert, watchful

Irish

Cadi

Pure

Greek

Cai

Feminine

Vietnamese

Calin

Pure

Greek

Cami

Crooked nose; helper to the priest

Scottish

Cari

Love

Gaelic

Carli

Free man

Latin

Casi

Alert, watchful

Irish

Cati

Pure

Greek

Cili

Blind; sixth

Welsh

Hali

The sea

Greek

Lali

Talk; well-spoken

Greek

Mali

Industrious, striving; work

Latin

Pali

Bird

Polynesian

Tali

Dew

Lists With Cali

Find inspiration in these baby girl name lists featuring the name Cali.

Siblings of Cali

Mamas with kids named Cali also have kids with these names.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Ari

Lion

Hebrew

6 Comments

  1. Beachy vibes, chilled and short – perfect name

    Reply

  2. my name is Cali

    Reply

  3. i have a girl in my class named cali

    Reply

  4. It means “beautiful one” and having such a tough time with gender disappointment, after I emerged from the feelings, I decided to go with something that would symbolize a kind of, metamorphic sentiment change. Not too popular, but not rare either. And that’s how I came up with her name:)

    Reply

  5. I selected Cali because a girl I went to school with was named Cali. I’ve never heard of that name before and she was so nice to me and was sweet as can be. I named her Cali because i hoped she would turn out to be just like her. Low and behold my girl is the sweetest, most caring, loving young woman a mom could ever ask for.

    Reply

  6. It is were the father and i were born were we fell in love were weve made our life were all of our children were born including cali … We love California

    Reply

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