Callistus

Also appearing as Callixtus, this late Roman name has been borne historically by three Popes and Bishops of Rome, including Callistus I, the patron saint of cemetery workers. Derived from Greek, it has the poetic meaning of "most beautiful".

While its offshoots Calixte, Calisto, and Calixto have ranked in France, Brazil, and Spain in the past, Callistus remains rare, though it has seen some use in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Does it have potential? With the rise of names like Atticus, Adonis, Cassius, and Maximus, it doesn't seem completely out there, especially given that it comes with down-to-earth nickname Cal.

Pronounced kuh-LIS-tus.