Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Calliope
GirlGreek· “beautiful voice”
- Meaning
- beautiful voice
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- kuh-LY-uh-pee
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #451
- US babies 2025
- 682
- Best rank
- #451 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Calliope
Calliope is a Greek name that means “beautiful voice”.
Calliope comes from Greek and means beautiful voice, from kallos, beauty, and ops, voice. In Greek mythology Calliope was the chief of the nine Muses, presiding over epic poetry, and she was said to be the mother of the legendary musician Orpheus. The name is also used for the steam-powered musical instrument heard on riverboats and at fairs. As a baby name Calliope appeals to parents who love mythological and artistic names. It has four syllables, and Callie makes a friendly everyday nickname.
Popularity over time
Calliope first appears in US Social Security records in 1917. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 10 different years, starting in 2016. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #451, and its highest count, 682 babies. Use has grown 209% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #10,038 in 2000, #2,223 in 2010, and #451 in 2025. Of the 6,098 US girls named Calliope since records began, 55% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 2,339 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Amirah, Clementine, Kataleya, Emmy, and Jaylani.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Calliope ranked highest in New Mexico, New Hampshire, and Idaho.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #146 | 10 |
| New Hampshire | #212 | 6 |
| Idaho | #222 | 10 |
| Oregon | #228 | 16 |
| West Virginia | #236 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Calliope is usually pronounced kuh-LY-uh-pee, with four syllables. It has eight letters, starts with C and ends in “-pe”.
Middle names for Calliope
A few middle names that flow with Calliope: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Calliope
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Lists that include Calliope
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Calliope mean?
Calliope is a Greek name that means “beautiful voice”.
What is the origin of the name Calliope?
Calliope has Greek roots. Calliope comes from Greek and means beautiful voice, from kallos, beauty, and ops, voice.
Is Calliope a popular name?
Yes. Calliope ranked #451 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Calliope a boy or girl name?
Calliope is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Calliope?
Calliope is usually pronounced kuh-LY-uh-pee. 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