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Calliope

♀ Girl

Pronounced kuh-LY-oh-pee /kəˈlaɪ.ə.pi/High

Meaning: From Greek 'kallos' (beauty) and 'ops' (voice, face), meaning 'beautiful voice'; name of the Muse of epic poetry in Greek mythologyHigh

In 30 seconds: Calliope is the Greek Muse of epic poetry, her name meaning 'beautiful voice.' Richly mythological and musically flowing, it is a daring and magnificent choice that has been quietly rising in the U.S.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningFrom Greek 'kallos' (beauty) and 'ops' (voice, face), meaning 'beautiful voice'; name of the Muse of epic poetry in Greek mythology
U.S. rank (2025)#451 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births682 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 6,095

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519172025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Calliope (Greek Kalliope) is composed of kallos (beauty) and ops (voice), meaning 'beautiful voice.' In Greek mythology she was the chief of the nine Muses, presiding over epic poetry and eloquence. She was considered the mother of Orpheus by some traditions. The name was used in ancient Greece and Rome and revived during the Renaissance.

As an English given name, Calliope has been used sporadically for centuries but has experienced a meaningful revival in the 21st century as parents rediscover mythological names. It gained wider visibility as the name of a character on the television series Grey's Anatomy (character Callie Torres), helping bring the name to mainstream attention.

Did you know? The calliope — a steam-powered musical instrument with loud, bright pipes — was named after the Muse of epic poetry in the 19th century, giving this ancient name an unexpected connection to American carnival and circus culture.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Calliope — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KalliopeCalliCallie

Nicknames

CallieCalliPoppy

Famous Bearers

  • ★Calliope Torres
    Fictional character on the TV series Grey's Anatomy, nicknamed Callie

If you like Calliope…

Persephone— shares the sweeping Greek mythological grandeur and multiple syllables
Thessaly— equally rare and striking mythological Greek place/figure name
Penelope— shares the four-syllable Greek mythological elegance and Callie nickname
Lorelei— another flowing, legendary feminine name with literary and mythological roots

Frequently Asked

What does Calliope mean?

Calliope means 'beautiful voice,' from Greek 'kallos' (beauty) and 'ops' (voice). She was the Muse of epic poetry in Greek mythology.

How do you pronounce Calliope?

Calliope is pronounced kuh-LY-oh-pee /kəˈlaɪ.ə.pi/ — four syllables with stress on the second.

Is Calliope a popular girls' name?

Calliope has been growing steadily in the U.S. as part of the mythological name revival, prized for its grandeur and the charming nickname Callie.

What is a calliope instrument?

A calliope is a steam-powered keyboard instrument named after the Muse — it produces loud, bright tones and was a staple of 19th-century circuses and riverboats.