Cali
How to say it: KAL-ee · /ˈkæli/
Short form of Calista (Greek 'kalliste', most beautiful) or a California reference; also used independently.
Cali was the 242nd most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 518 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 2010s, its births are down about 44% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #325 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #242 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 518 |
| Share of births | 1 in 2,261 |
| Peak decade | 2010s |
| Change over 10 years | −44% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #325 |
| In France, 2025 | #590 among girls’ names, 40 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Entirely modern, Cali draws almost all its use from the last forty years. It peaked in the 2010s, stays close to that peak, but should slip.
What goes with it
Cali sounds strong and travels well as a place name with soft and crisp notes. Sierra shares its style and Raya pairs alongside.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Cali is about 1 in 95.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, Greek, Spanish.
In France: #590 for girls in 2025.
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