Cali - Name Meaning and Popularity -

Meaning of Cali

Cali is a sparkle of a name that wears its origins like a stack of friendship bracelets—part Greek muse, part Spanish adventure, and unmistakably California sunshine. Traditionally a nickname for Calista (“most beautiful”) or Caroline, it’s also the spirited spelling of the salsa-loving Colombian city and, of course, a shorthand nod to the Golden State’s beaches and free-wheeling vibe. Pronounced KAH-lee, the name has surfed the U.S. charts for decades, cresting near the Top 200 in 2014 before settling into a comfortably cool spot in the 400s—proof that it’s familiar without feeling overplayed. Parents love Cali for the instant smile it inspires: a breezy, two-syllable burst that conjures palm trees, creativity, and a hint of rebel charm. If you’re after a name that sounds like summer vacation all year long, Cali might be the ticket.