Hannah Girl
HA-nuh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
#56
Calista
GirlGreek· “most beautiful”
- Meaning
- most beautiful
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- kuh-LIHS-tuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,597
- US babies 2025
- 131
- Best rank
- #519 (1999)
- Peak year
- 1999
Meaning and origin of Calista
Calista is a Greek name that means “most beautiful”.
Calista comes from the Greek word kallistos, "most beautiful," the superlative of kalos, "beautiful." It is related to Callisto, a nymph in Greek mythology who was turned into a bear and placed among the stars, and to the Latin name Callistus, borne by an early pope. In modern times, actress Calista Flockhart brought it wider recognition. Pronounced kuh-LIHS-tuh, it has a graceful, elegant sound. Cali and Callie make easy nicknames. The name suits parents who want a classical Greek name with a clear, lovely meaning that is not overly common.
Popularity over time
Calista first appears in US Social Security records in 1894. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 7 different years, starting in 1998. Its best national rank was #519 in 1999, the same year it reached its highest count of 490 babies. In 2025, 131 babies were named Calista, and it ranked #1,597 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,482 in 1920, #3,997 in 1950, #2,702 in 1980, #627 in 2000, #1,057 in 2010, and #1,597 in 2025. Of the 7,504 US girls named Calista since records began, 36% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,764 babies. Since 2010, 2,518 more have been named Calista.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Esperanza, Lizette, Clare, Cayla, and Destini.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Calista ranked highest in Washington, California, and Ohio.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | #833 | 7 |
| California | #1003 | 27 |
| Ohio | #1046 | 8 |
| Virginia | #1217 | 5 |
| Illinois | #1274 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Calista is usually pronounced kuh-LIHS-tuh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with C and ends in “-ta”.
Middle names for Calista
A few middle names that flow with Calista: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Calista
Similar names
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Lists that include Calista
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Calista mean?
Calista is a Greek name that means “most beautiful”.
What is the origin of the name Calista?
Calista has Greek roots. Calista comes from the Greek word kallistos, "most beautiful," the superlative of kalos, "beautiful." It is related to Callisto, a nymph in Greek mythology who was turned into a bear and placed among the stars, and to the Latin name Callistus, borne by an early pope.
Is Calista a popular name?
Not especially. Calista ranked #1,597 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Calista a boy or girl name?
Calista is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Calista?
Calista is usually pronounced kuh-LIHS-tuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings