Cali

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAL-ee /ˈkæl.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

In 30 seconds: A modern short name: Cali echoes Calvin and California. Crisp, breezy, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys).

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Origin LowAmerican

MeaningA 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 it

U.S. rank (2024)#6210 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births14 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 388

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

Cali is a modern short name — 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.

Did you know? Cali is variously a short form of Calvin ('bald; little Cal') and an echo of California — a crisp, breezy modern name, used for both sexes (here for boys; the route is uncertain, which we flag; said 'KAL-ee').

Overall data confidence 38%

U.S. Social Security Administration name files — route uncertain

Variations

CalvinCallieCaly

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Cali…

Calvin— a name it shortens

Cale— a sound-neighbor short C- boys' name

Callum— a fellow Cal- boys' name

Cash— another breezy short boys' name

Explore names like Cali

By themeuncertain english american unisex

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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 /ˈkæl.i/ — 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.