Cal- Names

Undiscovered name of picturesque northern French port.

Calista Flockhart opened the door to a whole flock of graceful and unusual Greek names like this, including Calantha, Calla, Carissa, and Cassia. Calandra itself is the name of a species of lark, and has the versatile nickname options of Callie, Candy, Andra, Andie and Birdie.

Caledonia is a rhythmic and alluring place name used by singer Shawn Colvin for her daughter. It would make an interesting and apt choice for a girl with Scottish ancestry.

A recently created member of the Cale family, with a trendy unisex aura.

Calix is once-obscure name that is starting to see some use in the US, where 47 baby boys were named Calix in 2023. An indirect influence is the actress Calista Flockhart, who introduced Americans to the female version of this attractive Greek name to prominence.

Calista Flockhart may have made her variation of this beautiful Greek name familiar to modern Americans, but the even-edgier x version was the name of an earlier feminist heroine: a character in Kate Chopin's The Storm.

Calla is a botanical name that is much more distinctive than popular Lily or similar Callie. Rarely heard today, it did appear in the popularity lists in the last decades of the nineteenth century.

Callia is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from 'kallos' meaning 'beauty.' It can be considered a variation of Calliope (one of the Muses in Greek mythology) or related to Calla (as in the elegant calla lily flower). The name has a delicate, flowing quality with its soft sounds and lyrical rhythm. While not among the most common names, Callia has seen increased interest in recent decades as parents seek names that are both classical and distinctive. The name conveys elegance and grace while remaining accessible and easy to pronounce. Its botanical associations also appeal to those drawn to nature-inspired names, giving Callia a fresh, timeless quality.

Best known as one of the moons of Jupiter, Callisto was a nymph coveted by Zeus who was turned into a bear by Hera, becoming the Great Bear (Ursa Major) constellation.

This elegant name has historical significance in Christian tradition, with St. Callixte (or Callixtus) being the name of several popes. Despite its ancient roots, Callixte remains uncommon in modern usage, particularly in English-speaking countries.

Callum, a charming Scottish name high on the list in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, is rising through the ranks in the US now too. And it comes complete with the easy nickname Cal.