Kali
How to say it: KAH-lee · /ˈkɑli/
From Sanskrit 'kala' meaning black or time; name of the powerful Hindu goddess of time, destruction, and transformation.
Kali was the 242nd most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 948 babies (Social Security Administration). The 2020s are its busiest decade so far, 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 | 948 |
| Share of births | 1 in 2,261 |
| Peak decade | 2020s |
| Change over 10 years | −44% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #325 |
| In France, 2025 | #590 among girls’ names, 20 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
This decade marks the high point for Kali, with the 2020s crowning its climb. Resting at the peak for now, a downturn looks likely next.
What goes with it
Sharp at the start then softening, its two beat form feels strong and mythic. Athena stands beside it with equal power.
Middle names that flow with Kali →
Nicknames
- Kal
Honouring a Kali in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Kali is about 1 in 95.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, Hindi.
In France: #590 for girls in 2025.
Famous people named Kali
- Kali Rocha (born 1971)American actress
- Kali Christ (born 1991)Speed skater
- Kali Flanagan (born 1995)American ice hockey player
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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