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Home › Baby Names Directory › Calista

Calista

♀ Girl

Pronounced kah-LIS-tah /kəˈlɪs.tə/Low

Meaning: Most beautiful, of the greatest beautyLow

In 30 seconds: Calista is a Greek name meaning most beautiful, from kallistos (superlative of kalos, beautiful). In Greek mythology, Callisto was a nymph transformed into a bear by Zeus. The name gained modern recognition through actress Calista Flockhart.
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Origin LowGreek
MeaningMost beautiful, of the greatest beauty
U.S. rank (2025)#1597 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births131 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1999
Total births (all-time)≈ 7,503

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199918942025

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

Calista derives from the Greek kalliste meaning most beautiful, the superlative of kalos (beautiful). In mythology, Callisto was a figure transformed into the constellation Ursa Major. The name has been used in Greek communities and spread internationally.

Calista gained wide recognition through actress Calista Flockhart (Ally McBeal, 1997-2002). Its three syllables and beautiful Greek meaning make it an elegant, distinctive choice.

Did you know? In Greek mythology, Callisto was a nymph or hunting companion of Artemis who was transformed into a bear by either Zeus or Artemis. She became the constellation Ursa Major — the Great Bear — so Calista literally means the most beautiful bear in the sky.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name: Callista

Variations

CallistaCalixtaCallistaKalista

Nicknames

CaliLisaCallie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Calista Flockhart (b. 1964)
    American actress known for the title role in Ally McBeal and as Cat Grant in Supergirl

If you like Calista…

Cassandra— Greek mythological name of same classical elegance
Calliope— Greek muse name sharing the Cal- prefix
Isadora— Three-syllable Greek-rooted name of same rare beauty
Cynthia— a fellow Greek choice
Melani— the same classic feel

Explore names like Calista

By themegreekclassicthree-syllableelegantmythologicalbeautiful
By meaningBeauty

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does Calista mean?

Calista means most beautiful from the Greek kallistos, the superlative form of kalos meaning beautiful.

Who was Callisto in mythology?

Callisto was a nymph transformed into a bear and placed in the sky as the constellation Ursa Major (the Great Bear).

How do you pronounce Calista?

Calista is pronounced kah-LIS-tah with three syllables.

What are nicknames for Calista?

Nicknames for Calista include Cali, Lisa, and Callie.

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