What does Calista mean and where does it come from?
The name Calista comes from the Greek name Kalista (Καλλίστη), derived from 'kallos' meaning 'beauty.' Calista is often associated with Greek mythology, with one notable figure being Callisto, a nymph who was transformed into a bear and ultimately into the constellation Ursa Major. The name gained s
Cultural significance
Calista has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of most beautiful.
Peak popularity
Reached #519 in 1999 — currently #1597 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Calista?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Calista?
Calista works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Calista Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Calista Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Calista Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Calista Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Calista Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Calista Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Calista right now?
Falling — down 144 spots — currently #1597 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1597 | 131 | ▼ down 144 · -13% births |
| 2024 | #1453 | 151 | ▲ up 258 · +26% births |
| 2023 | #1711 | 120 | ▲ up 83 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1794 | 114 | ▼ down 279 · -18% births |
| 2021 | #1515 | 139 | ▲ up 406 · +42% births |
| 2020 | #1921 | 98 | ▼ down 550 · -43% births |
| 2015 | #1371 | 172 | ▼ down 317 · -27% births |
| 2010 | #1054 | 235 | ▲ up 16 · +5% births |
| 2005 | #1070 | 223 | ▼ down 443 · -44% births |
| 2000 | #627 | 401 | ▲ up 3732 · +1643% births |
| 1995 | #4359 | 23 | ▼ down 1447 · -41% births |
| 1990 | #2912 | 39 | ▲ up 106 · +30% births |
| 1985 | #3018 | 30 | ▼ down 359 · -14% births |
| 1980 | #2659 | 35 | ▲ up 993 · +94% births |
| 1975 | #3652 | 18 | — |
The story of Calista
Calista has been a beloved American name for over 130 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1894. With 6,844 total births recorded, Calista remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1412 in 1895, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1711 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Calista in 1999:
Calista by decade
Calista peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 31 | |
| 1900s | 28 | |
| 1910s | 128 | |
| 1920s | 113 | |
| 1930s | 83 | |
| 1940s | 85 | |
| 1950s | 88 | |
| 1960s | 111 | |
| 1970s | 219 | |
| 1980s | 311 | |
| 1990s | 1,056 | |
| 2000s ★ | 2,732 | |
| 2010s | 1,761 | |
| 2020s | 380 | |
💎With 6,844 total births, Calista is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Calista?
Famous people named Calista
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Calista (Greek poet or artist)
Calista helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
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Calista (modern Greek athlete)
Calista brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
C(
Calista (ancient philosopher)
Calista bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
C(
Calista (Greek mythological figure)
Calista carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Calista?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Calista also consider these
How is Calista written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Calista?
Common questions about the name Calista
What does the name Calista mean?
Calista 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 Calista?
Calista 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 Calista?
Calista 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.
How do you pronounce the name Calista?
Calista is a three-syllable name pronounced kul-IST-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Calista?
Calista 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.