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Cali Name Origin: Greek
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Pronunciation: cal-ee
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See what 5 people think about Cali
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.
The Golden State’s Influence
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.
Rising Popularity
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.
Fun Nicknames
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.
In Conclusion
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% |
District of Columbia (DC)
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
|
|
|
