The name Cali originated from the Latin word "calidus," which means "warm" or "hot." It is believed to have been derived from the name of the ancient city of Calydon in Greece, which was renowned for its hot springs and thermal baths.

In ancient Roman times, the name Cali was commonly used as a nickname or shortened form of the names Calidius or Calidius. It was particularly popular among families from the regions of Campania and Calabria in southern Italy, where the climate was typically warm and sunny.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Cali can be found in the writings of the Roman historian Livy, who mentioned a soldier named Cali Valerius who fought in the Punic Wars against Carthage in the 3rd century BC.

During the Middle Ages, the name Cali became associated with Saint Calixta, a Roman martyr who lived in the 2nd century AD. Her name, derived from the Greek word "kallos" meaning "beautiful," was often confused with the Latin "calidus," leading to the popularity of the name Cali among Christian families in Europe.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Cali. One of the most famous was Cali Orsini (1504-1558), an Italian noblewoman and patron of the arts, who was renowned for her beauty and intellect. Another was Cali ibn Yahya (815-901), an Arab mathematician and astronomer from Baghdad, who made significant contributions to the development of algebra and trigonometry.

In the 16th century, the Spanish explorer and conquistador Cali Hernández (1495-1567) played a pivotal role in the conquest of Mexico, serving as a lieutenant under Hernán Cortés. Cali Hernández was also known for his efforts to protect the rights of indigenous populations in the Americas.

More recently, Cali Ruchkys (1925-2003) was a renowned Lithuanian artist and sculptor, known for her abstract and modernist works. Cali Timmins (1934-2016) was a Canadian businessman and philanthropist, who made significant contributions to various charitable organizations and educational institutions.

While the name Cali has its roots in ancient civilizations, it has maintained its popularity and cultural significance throughout the ages, reflecting the enduring appeal of warmth, beauty, and intellectual pursuits.