What does Calissa mean and where does it come from?
Calissa is derived from the Greek name Callista, which means 'most beautiful'. It reflects a blend of elegance and femininity, making it a popular choice among parents seeking unique yet classic names. While it's more prevalent in the United States in the modern era, it has roots in ancient Greek my
Cultural significance
Calissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of most beautiful.
Peak popularity
Reached #2870 in 1999 — currently #12379 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Calissa?
Calissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Calissa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Calissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Calissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Calissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Calissa Jane
Literary · strong
Calissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Calissa right now?
Falling — down 3750 spots — currently #12379 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #12379 | 7 | ▼ down 3750 · -42% births |
| 2022 | #8629 | 12 | ▼ down 63 |
| 2021 | #8566 | 12 | ▼ down 991 · -14% births |
| 2020 | #7575 | 14 | ▼ down 3068 · -55% births |
| 2015 | #4507 | 31 | ▼ down 83 · -6% births |
| 2010 | #4424 | 33 | ▼ down 819 · -20% births |
| 2005 | #3605 | 41 | ▲ up 613 · +41% births |
| 2000 | #4218 | 29 | ▲ up 6618 · +314% births |
| 1995 | #10836 | 7 | ▼ down 3319 · -36% births |
| 1990 | #7517 | 11 | ▲ up 1153 · +57% births |
| 1985 | #8670 | 7 | — |
The story of Calissa
Calissa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1962. With 852 total births recorded, Calissa remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #8670 in 1985, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12379 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Calissa in 1999:
Calissa by decade
Calissa peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 6 | |
| 1970s | 11 | |
| 1980s | 49 | |
| 1990s | 152 | |
| 2000s ★ | 371 | |
| 2010s | 249 | |
| 2020s | 14 | |
💎Calissa has only 852 total recorded births since 1962 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Calissa?
Famous people named Calissa
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Calissa (Byzantine leader)
Calissa used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
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Calissa (Greek poet or artist)
Calissa helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
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Calissa (modern Greek athlete)
Calissa brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
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Calissa (ancient philosopher)
Calissa bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Calissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Calissa also consider these
Common questions about the name Calissa
What does the name Calissa mean?
Calissa means "most beautiful" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Calissa?
Calissa 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 Calissa?
Calissa originates from Greek tradition. Greek names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Calissa?
Calissa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Calissa a common or rare name?
Calissa is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.