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Calais
How to Pronounce Calais
Pronounced kuh-LAY /kəˈleɪ/Medium
Meaning: Variously from Greek mythology — Calais, a winged son of Boreas (the North Wind) and an Argonaut — and from the French port city of Calais; routes layeredLow
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Calais comes variously from Greek mythology — Calais, a winged son of Boreas, the North Wind, and one of the Argonauts — and from the French port city of Calais (routes layered, which we note). A lyrical, modern name (said 'kuh-LAY'; nickname Cal).
In the U.S. it registers thinly. Rare, a-son-of-the-North-Wind at the root, and modern.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Calais mean?
Calais is variously a Greek-mythology figure (a son of the North Wind) and the French port city; the routes are layered.
How do you pronounce Calais?
It's said kuh-LAY /kəˈleɪ/ — two syllables, stress on the second.
Is Calais a boy or girl name?
Calais is a boy's name.
How popular is Calais?
Calais is a rare name in the U.S.