Kali

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAH-lee /ˈkɑ.li/Medium

Meaning: Modern short coinage echoing Kaleb/Kali names; here for boys (distinct from the Hindu goddess Kali); routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Short and modern: Kali (for boys) is a crisp two-beat name echoing Kaleb and the Ka- sound. Soft, fresh, and distinctive.

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Origin LowAmerican

MeaningModern short coinage echoing Kaleb/Kali names; here for boys (distinct from the Hindu goddess Kali); routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#4318 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births24 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 911

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

Kali, as a boys' name, is a short modern coinage echoing the Ka- sound (Kaleb, Khalil; routes layered, which we flag). It is distinct from the Hindu goddess Kali (a female deity, 'the dark one'), which we note honestly. The crisp sound carries it.

It registers thinly for boys. Rare, Ka-sound in echo, and crisp.

Did you know? Kali, as a boys' name, reads as a short modern coinage (echoing Kaleb/Khalil) — distinct from the Hindu goddess Kali, who is female; we note that clearly.

Overall data confidence 45%

U.S. Social Security Administration name files — recent emergence

Variations

KalebKhaliKahlil

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Kali Muscle (1975-)
American bodybuilder, actor, and social media personality known for his physique and YouTube channel

If you like Kali…

Kaleb— a sound-neighbor name

Khalil— a fellow Kh- name

Kairo— a companion Ka- name

Cali— a fellow short -li name

Explore names like Kali

By themeuncertain coinage american

By meaningGod / Divine

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kali mean?

Kali, as a boys' name, is a short modern coinage echoing the Ka- sound; distinct from the Hindu goddess Kali, so we note it.

How do you pronounce Kali?

It's said KAH-lee /ˈkɑ.li/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kali a boy or girl name?

Kali is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Kali?

Kali is a rare name for boys in the U.S.