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Callista

♀ Girl

Callista Pronunciation

Callista is pronounced kah-LISS-tah /kɑˈlɪs.tɑ/High

Meaning: From Greek kallista, 'most beautiful' — the superlative of kallos, 'beauty'; double-l classic formHigh

In 30 seconds: Beauty's superlative, classically spelled: Callista is the Greek 'most beautiful' — the nymph who became the Great Bear, the actress who became Ally McBeal. Starry and complete.

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Origin HighGreek

MeaningFrom Greek kallista, 'most beautiful' — the superlative of kallos, 'beauty'; double-l classic form

U.S. rank (2024)#3889 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births38 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1999

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,443

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Callista is the double-l form of Greek kallista, 'most beautiful' — superlative of kallos, 'beauty', tied to the myth of Callisto, set among the stars as the Great Bear. Actress Callista Flockhart anchors its modern fame.

In the U.S. it is rare, classical, and starlit. Most-beautiful at the root, and constellation-bound.

Did you know? Callisto, transformed into Ursa Major, still wheels the northern sky — and her Jovian moon namesake is one of the solar system's largest; 'most beautiful' travels far.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Callista — etymology

Variations

CalistaKalistaCallisto

Nicknames

CallieLissy

Famous Bearers

★Calista Flockhart (1964–present)
American actress, star of Ally McBeal.

If you like Callista…

Calista— the single-l sister form

Callie— the 'beauty' short form

Cassandra— a fellow grand Greek classic

Celestia— the companion celestial pick

→ See all names like Callista

Browse the whole category: All Greek names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Callista?

Callista is pronounced kah-LISS-tah (/kɑˈlɪs.tɑ/). Press play above to hear Callista said aloud.

How do you say Callista?

Callista is said kah-LISS-tah (/kɑˈlɪs.tɑ/). Press play above to hear Callista said aloud.

What does the name Callista mean?

Callista is Greek for 'most beautiful', the superlative of kallos, 'beauty'.

Is Callista a boy or girl name?

Callista is a girl's name.

How popular is Callista?

Callista is a rare name in the U.S.