Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kalli
GirlGreek· “beautiful; short form of Kalliope”
- Meaning
- beautiful; short form of Kalliope
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- KAL-ee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,974
- US babies 2025
- 56
- Best rank
- #1,022 (2007)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Kalli
Kalli is a Greek name that is usually said to mean “beautiful; short form of Kalliope”.
Kalli draws on the Greek kallos, beauty, and is often used as a short form of Kalliope, the muse of epic poetry in Greek mythology. The same root appears in words like calligraphy, beautiful writing. In Greece, forms like Kalliopi and Kalli are familiar, and in English-speaking countries the name overlaps with Callie, which has its own following. The k spelling gives it a slightly more Greek flavor. It is bright, friendly and easy to say, and it can stand alone or serve as a nickname for longer names beginning with Kal-.
Popularity over time
Kalli first appears in US Social Security records in 1952. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,022 in 2007, the same year it reached its highest count of 259 babies. In 2025, 56 babies were named Kalli, and it ranked #2,974 nationally. That is 45% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #4,055 in 1980, #1,290 in 2000, #1,473 in 2010, and #2,974 in 2025. Of the 5,317 US girls named Kalli since records began, 32% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 1,357 babies. Since 2010, 1,495 more have been named Kalli.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Josselyn, Kenadie, Jazmyne, Zaniya, and Marlen.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kalli ranked highest in Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #2773 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kalli is usually pronounced KAL-ee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-li”.
Middle names for Kalli
A few middle names that flow with Kalli: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kalli
Similar names
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Lists that include Kalli
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kalli mean?
Kalli is a Greek name that is usually said to mean “beautiful; short form of Kalliope”.
What is the origin of the name Kalli?
Kalli has Greek roots. Kalli draws on the Greek kallos, beauty, and is often used as a short form of Kalliope, the muse of epic poetry in Greek mythology.
Is Kalli a popular name?
Not especially. Kalli ranked #2,974 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kalli a boy or girl name?
Kalli is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kalli?
Kalli is usually pronounced KAL-ee. 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