What does Kalissa mean and where does it come from?
Kalissa is a modern adaptation of the name Callista, which has Greek origins. In Greek, it conveys the meaning of 'beautiful.' The name gained popularity in the U.S. during the late 20th century as parents sought unique names for their children. Kalissa combines traditional roots with contemporary u
Cultural significance
Kalissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #2410 in 2007 — currently #8254 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kalissa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kalissa?
Kalissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kalissa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kalissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kalissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kalissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Kalissa Jane
Literary · strong
Kalissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kalissa right now?
Rising fast — up 1777 spots — currently #8254 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8254 | 13 | ▲ up 1777 · +30% births |
| 2022 | #10031 | 10 | ▼ down 1787 · -23% births |
| 2021 | #8244 | 13 | ▼ down 635 · -7% births |
| 2020 | #7609 | 14 | ▼ down 2840 · -52% births |
| 2015 | #4769 | 29 | ▼ down 1483 · -42% births |
| 2010 | #3286 | 50 | ▼ down 542 · -18% births |
| 2005 | #2744 | 61 | ▲ up 356 · +36% births |
| 2000 | #3100 | 45 | ▲ up 4190 · +275% births |
| 1995 | #7290 | 12 | ▼ down 2062 · -33% births |
| 1990 | #5228 | 18 | ▲ up 2875 · +125% births |
| 1985 | #8103 | 8 | — |
The story of Kalissa
Kalissa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1976. With 1,038 total births recorded, Kalissa remains relatively uncommon.
Names that peaked alongside Kalissa in 2007:
Kalissa by decade
Kalissa peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 6 | |
| 1980s | 57 | |
| 1990s | 153 | |
| 2000s ★ | 518 | |
| 2010s | 290 | |
| 2020s | 14 | |
💎With 1,038 total births, Kalissa is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Kalissa?
Famous people named Kalissa
K(
Kalissa (Greek poet or artist)
Kalissa helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
K(
Kalissa (modern Greek athlete)
Kalissa brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
K(
Kalissa (ancient philosopher)
Kalissa bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
K(
Kalissa (Greek mythological figure)
Kalissa carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Kalissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kalissa also consider these
Common questions about the name Kalissa
What does the name Kalissa mean?
Kalissa means "Greek" — 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 Kalissa?
Kalissa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Kalissa have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Kalissa?
Kalissa 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 Kalissa?
Kalissa is a four-syllable name pronounced K AE1 L IH1 S 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 Kalissa?
Kalissa 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.