Home βΊ Baby Names Directory βΊ Cali
Cali
How to Pronounce Cali
Pronounced KAL-ee /ΛkΓ¦l.i/High
Meaning: A modern short name, variously echoing Calvin ('bald; little Cal') and California; used for both sexes; here for boys; the route is uncertain, so we flag itLow
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Cali is a modern short name β variously a short form of Calvin (from Latin calvus, 'bald') and an echo of sunny California (the route is uncertain, which we flag honestly). A crisp, breezy name, used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished; the girls' Cali often pairs with Calliope/Callie).
It registers thinly for boys. Rare, a-modern-short-name at the (uncertain) root, and breezy.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Cali mean?
Cali is variously a short form of Calvin and an echo of California; the route is uncertain, so we flag it.
How do you pronounce Cali?
It's said KAL-ee /ΛkΓ¦l.i/ β two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Cali a boy or girl name?
Cali is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.
How popular is Cali?
Cali is a rare name for boys in the U.S.