Calla

“beautiful; from the name of a flower, Calla Lily” — Associated with the Calla Lily flower

Greek origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1604US 2023

130Births / yr

↓Falling

3.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Calla

KAL·uh

/ˈkæl.ə/ · stress on KAL · 2 syllables

“beautiful; from the name of a flower, Calla Lily”

Associated with the Calla Lily flower · Greek origin

What does Calla mean and where does it come from?

Calla originates from the Greek word 'kallos' meaning beauty. The name is also associated with the Calla Lily flower, symbolizing magnificence and beauty. In Western culture, especially in the United States and Canada, Calla has gained popularity as a first name. It is elegant and often associated w

Cultural significance

Calla has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beautiful; from the name of a flower, calla lily.

Peak popularity

Reached #657 in 1881 — currently #1604 in the US.

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How else can you spell Calla?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Kalla

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Calla?

Calla works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Calla Grace

How popular is Calla right now?

Declining — down 28 spots — currently #1604 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#1604 · Top 1.2%

1960

1965

1970

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2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1604	130	▼ down 28 · -4% births
2022	#1576	135	▼ down 8 · +1% births
2021	#1568	134	▼ down 9
2020	#1559	134	▲ up 4 · -4% births
2015	#1563	140	▲ up 57 · +5% births
2010	#1620	133	▲ up 618 · +64% births
2005	#2238	81	▲ up 353 · +42% births
2000	#2591	57	▲ up 150 · +30% births
1995	#2741	44	▲ up 60 · +7% births
1990	#2801	41	▲ up 1847 · +156% births
1985	#4648	16	▲ up 3538 · +129% births
1980	#8186	7	▼ down 173 · +40% births
1970	#8013	5	▼ down 2719 · -29% births
1965	#5294	7	▼ down 510 · -12% births
1960	#4784	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Calla

Best Year1905Rank #1247

Peak Count140

Average Rank#3117

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 202327 years

The story of Calla

Calla has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 3,706 total births recorded, Calla remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #754 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1604 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Calla in 1881:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Margaret

Calla by decade

Calla peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	79
1890s	83
1900s	51
1910s	97
1920s	100
1930s	59
1940s	52
1950s	111
1960s	51
1970s	66
1980s	266
1990s	440
2000s	769
2010s ★	1,348
2020s	134

💎With 3,706 total births, Calla is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Calla?

Common

CalCa

Famous people named Calla

Calla (Greek poet or artist)

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

Calla (modern Greek athlete)

Calla brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.

Calla (ancient philosopher)

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

Calla (Greek mythological figure)

Calla 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 Calla?

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

Carlla

English · Free woman.

American · A serene and

Galla

Irish · A Irish name

How is Calla written in other languages?

Kalla

ENGLISH

Common questions about the name Calla

What does the name Calla mean?

Calla means "beautiful; from the name of a flower, Calla Lily" — 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 Calla?

Calla is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Calla have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Calla?

Calla 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 Calla?

Calla is a two-syllable name pronounced K AE1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Calla trending right now?

Calla is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.