Kali

♂ Boy

Kali Pronunciation

Kali is 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 (2024)#4244 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births25 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 887

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

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

Famous bearers coming soon.

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

→ See all names like Kali

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

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Kali?

Kali is pronounced KAH-lee (/ˈkɑ.li/). Press play above to hear Kali said aloud.

How do you say Kali?

Kali is said KAH-lee (/ˈkɑ.li/). Press play above to hear Kali said aloud.

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.

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.