What does Cala mean and where does it come from?
Cala is a name that has various meanings across different cultures. In Spanish, it can refer to 'beautiful', while in Greek, it is associated with qualities such as 'pure' or 'good'. The name has also been embraced in various forms in different cultures, including as a reference to a type of lily ('
Cultural significance
Cala has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beautiful.
Peak popularity
Reached #3558 in 1990 — currently #10459 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Cala?
Cala works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cala Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cala Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cala Claire
French influence · crisp
Cala Jane
Literary · strong
Cala Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cala right now?
Falling — down 642 spots — currently #10459 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #10459 | 9 | ▼ down 642 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #9817 | 10 | ▲ up 621 · +11% births |
| 2021 | #10438 | 9 | ▼ down 846 · -10% births |
| 2020 | #9592 | 10 | ▲ up 2410 · +25% births |
| 2015 | #12002 | 8 | ▲ up 1644 · +14% births |
| 2010 | #13646 | 7 | ▼ down 4077 · -36% births |
| 2005 | #9569 | 11 | ▼ down 249 · +10% births |
| 2000 | #9320 | 10 | ▼ down 4426 · -50% births |
| 1995 | #4894 | 20 | ▼ down 1336 · -33% births |
| 1990 | #3558 | 30 | ▲ up 2619 · +173% births |
| 1985 | #6177 | 11 | ▼ down 186 · +120% births |
| 1950 | #5991 | 5 | — |
The story of Cala
Cala entered American naming records in 1950 and has been in use for over 74 years. With 456 total births recorded, Cala remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5991 in 1950, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10459 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Cala in 1990:
Cala by decade
Cala peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1980s | 108 | |
| 1990s ★ | 185 | |
| 2000s | 91 | |
| 2010s | 57 | |
| 2020s | 10 | |
💎Cala has only 456 total recorded births since 1950 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Cala?
Famous people named Cala
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Cala (Flamenco artist)
Cala carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
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Cala (Latin American historical figure)
Cala used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
C(
Cala (Spanish saint)
Cala helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.
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Cala (Flamenco artist)
Cala carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Cala?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cala also consider these
Common questions about the name Cala
What does the name Cala mean?
Cala means "beautiful" — a name rooted in Spanish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Cala?
Cala is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Cala?
Cala originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Cala?
Cala is a two-syllable name pronounced K AA1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Cala a common or rare name?
Cala is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.