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 #1397 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Calla?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Calla Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Calla Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Calla Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Calla Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Calla Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Calla right now?
Rising fast — up 114 spots — currently #1397 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1397 | 156 | ▲ up 114 · +9% births |
| 2024 | #1511 | 143 | ▲ up 93 · +10% births |
| 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 | — |
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:
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 | 433 | |
💎With 3,706 total births, Calla is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Calla?
Famous people named Calla
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Calla (Greek poet or artist)
Calla helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
C(
Calla (modern Greek athlete)
Calla brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
C(
Calla (ancient philosopher)
Calla bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
C(
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
How is Calla written in other languages?
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 KAL-uh. 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.