Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Kalina
GirlSlavic, Polish· “viburnum shrub”
- Meaning
- viburnum shrub
- Origin
- Slavic, Polish
- Pronunciation
- kuh-LEE-nuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,566
- US babies 2025
- 135
- Best rank
- #1,335 (2019)
- Peak year
- 2019
Meaning and origin of Kalina
Kalina is a Slavic and Polish name that is usually said to mean “viburnum shrub”.
In Polish and other Slavic languages, kalina is the word for the viburnum, a shrub with white flowers and red berries sometimes called the guelder rose. In Ukraine, where it is called kalyna, the plant is a beloved national symbol that appears in folk songs and embroidery. As a given name Kalina has a soft, lyrical sound and a natural image. It is used in Poland, Bulgaria and other Slavic countries. Kali and Lina are nicknames.
Popularity over time
Kalina first appears in US Social Security records in 1962. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,335 in 2019, the same year it reached its highest count of 171 babies. In 2025, 135 babies were named Kalina, and it ranked #1,566 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #4,407 in 1980, #2,042 in 2000, #1,778 in 2010, and #1,566 in 2025. Of the 4,288 US girls named Kalina since records began, 31% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 1,113 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Havana, Rosalynn, Elliette, Aadya, and Adira.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kalina ranked highest in Nevada, Arizona, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | #562 | 5 |
| Arizona | #861 | 7 |
| Pennsylvania | #891 | 10 |
| Indiana | #1115 | 5 |
| Michigan | #1137 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kalina is usually pronounced kuh-LEE-nuh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with K and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Kalina
A few middle names that flow with Kalina: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kalina
Similar names
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ih-VAH-nuh
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uh-LEE-nuh
“short form of Adelina, 'noble'” · Germanic
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Alena Girl
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Milena Girl
mih-LEH-nuh
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uh-LOH-nuh
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Savanna Girl
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Rihanna Girl
ree-AH-nuh
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Cristina Girl
krihs-TEE-nuh
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Aryana Girl
ahr-ee-AH-nuh
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Carina Girl
kuh-REE-nuh
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Selina Girl
suh-LEE-nuh
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Vivianna Girl
vih-vee-AH-nuh
“elaboration of Vivian; alive” · American (modern coinage)
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Lists that include Kalina
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kalina mean?
Kalina is a Slavic and Polish name that is usually said to mean “viburnum shrub”.
What is the origin of the name Kalina?
Kalina has Slavic and Polish roots. In Polish and other Slavic languages, kalina is the word for the viburnum, a shrub with white flowers and red berries sometimes called the guelder rose.
Is Kalina a popular name?
Not especially. Kalina ranked #1,566 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kalina a boy or girl name?
Kalina is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kalina?
Kalina is usually pronounced kuh-LEE-nuh. 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