What does Calais mean and where does it come from?
The name Calais is derived from the French town Calais, located in northern France, near the English Channel. Historically, Calais was an important port city, and the name has been used as a given name in various cultures, especially among those with French connections. It has a romantic and histori
Cultural significance
Calais has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of meaning of the name is 'the strait' or it is derived from the name of the town of calais, known for its historical signi.
Peak popularity
Reached #6020 in 1985 — currently #13794 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Calais?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Calais?
Calais works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Calais Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Calais John
One syllable · timeless choice
Calais Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Calais Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Calais Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Calais Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Calais right now?
Falling — down 4752 spots — currently #13794 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2024 | #13794 | 6 | ▼ down 4752 · -25% births |
| 2023 | #9042 | 8 | ▼ down 625 · -11% births |
| 2022 | #8417 | 9 | ▼ down 1246 · -18% births |
| 2021 | #7171 | 11 | ▲ up 8456 · +120% births |
| 2020 | #15627 | 5 | ▼ down 6488 · -58% births |
| 2015 | #9139 | 12 | ▼ down 213 · -8% births |
| 2010 | #8926 | 13 | ▲ up 3717 · +117% births |
| 1995 | #12643 | 6 | ▼ down 1563 · -14% births |
| 1990 | #11080 | 7 | ▼ down 5060 · -42% births |
| 1985 | #6020 | 12 | — |
The story of Calais
Calais is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1984. With 206 total births recorded, Calais remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6020 in 1985, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9042 in 2023. Calais is used for both genders: 79% female and 21% male.
Names that peaked alongside Calais in 1985:
Calais by decade
Calais peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 42 | |
| 1990s | 24 | |
| 2000s | 27 | |
| 2010s ★ | 96 | |
| 2020s | 35 | |
💎Calais has only 206 total recorded births since 1984 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Calais?
What names sound and feel like Calais?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Calais also consider these
Common questions about the name Calais
What does the name Calais mean?
Calais means "meaning of the name is 'the strait' or it is derived from the name of the town of Calais, known for its historical signi" — a name rooted in France 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 Calais?
Calais is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby 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 Calais?
Calais originates from France tradition. France 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 Calais?
Calais is a two-syllable name pronounced kul-AY. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Calais a common or rare name?
Calais is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.