Kali
Kali: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkɑːli/ · /ˈkæli/
Meaning and origin of Kali
- A female given name from Sanskrit used especially in India.
Etymology
From Sanskrit काली (kālī) or कालिका (kālikā).
How popular is Kali?
Since 1880, 32,527 girls and 911 boys in the U.S. have been named Kali (97% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #242 in 2019. Its highest rank for boys was #2167 in 1974. In 2025 it ranked #323 for girls, with 972 babies given the name.
Names similar to Kali
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
Kali FAQ
What does the name Kali mean?
A female given name from Sanskrit used especially in India. From Sanskrit काली (kālī) or कालिका (kālikā).
What is the origin of the name Kali?
Kali is listed as a name of Sanskrit used especially in India origin.
How popular is the name Kali?
Since 1880, 32,527 girls and 911 boys in the U.S. have been named Kali (97% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #242 in 2019. Its highest rank for boys was #2167 in 1974. In 2025 it ranked #323 for girls, with 972 babies given the name.
Is Kali a boy or girl name?
Kali is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 32,527 girls and 911 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.