Calista

“most beautiful” — Associated with Greek mythology

Greek origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1711US 2023

120Births / yr

↑Rising

6.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 189400.03% of births at peak

How to pronounce Calista

kul·IST·uh

/kəl.ˈɪst.ə/ · stress on IST · 3 syllables

“most beautiful”

Associated with Greek mythology · Greek origin

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 #1711 in the US.

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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 Grace

How popular is Calista right now?

Rising fast — up 83 spots — currently #1711 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1895–2023#1711 · Top 1.3%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	▲ up 422 · +29% births
1970	#4074	14	▼ down 787 · -7% births
1965	#3287	15	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Calista

Best Year2000Rank #627

Peak Count401

Average Rank#2705

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 202327 years

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:

Emily Hannah Alexis Sarah Samantha

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	98

💎With 6,844 total births, Calista is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Calista?

Common

CalCalieCalyIsta

Famous people named Calista

Calista (Greek poet or artist)

Calista helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.

Calista (modern Greek athlete)

Calista brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.

Calista (ancient philosopher)

Calista bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.

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

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What names sound and feel like Calista?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Calista also consider these

Callista

Greek · most beautiful

Calysta

Greek · most beautiful

Calesta

Latin · A Latin name

Carista

American · Derived from the

Colista

Greek · glory or fame

Alista

American · Noble or of

Kalista

Greece · most beautiful

Cassista

Latin · A Latin name

How is Calista written in other languages?

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 K AH0 L IH1 S T AH0. 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.