Callistus

most beautiful
Greek origin · Unisex name
50% boys50% girls
#1536US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.1%Percentile
How to pronounce Callistus
kə-lis-təs(english)
/kə-lis-təs(english)/ · · 3 syllables
most beautiful
Greek origin · Unisex name

What does Callistus mean and where does it come from?

Callistus is derived from the Greek name 'Kallistos', which means 'most beautiful'.

Cultural significance
The name has historical significance in early Christianity, notably borne by several saints and popes.
Peak popularity
Reached #1536 in 2015 — currently #1536 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Callistus?

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

What middle names flow best with Callistus?

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

Callistus Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Callistus John
One syllable · timeless choice
Callistus Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Callistus Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Callistus Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Callistus Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Callistus
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How popular is Callistus right now?

Holding steady — currently #1536 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1536 · Top 1.1%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#153610stable
2022#153610stable
2021#153610stable
2020#153610stable
2019#153610
💎Callistus is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Callistus?

Common
CalCaIstus

Famous people named Callistus

CI
Callistus I
Pope from 217 to 222, known for his role in early Christian doctrine.
CI
Callistus II
Pope from 1119 to 1124, recognized for his efforts in the Crusades.
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Celebrity Names
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Common questions about the name Callistus

What does the name Callistus mean?
Callistus 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 Callistus?
Callistus is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Callistus?
Callistus 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 Callistus?
Callistus pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Callistus more of a girl or boy name?
Callistus is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.