Find out how popular the first name Caliope has been for the last 19 years (from 2006 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Caliope by gender

Based on the last 19 years of data, Caliope is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Caliope.

The history of the first name Caliope

Caliope is a given name with roots in Ancient Greek mythology and culture. It is derived from the Greek words "kallos" meaning beauty and "ops" meaning voice, essentially translating to "beautiful voice." The name refers to Calliope, the Muse of epic poetry in Greek mythology.

In ancient times, Calliope was revered as the chief of the nine Muses, the goddesses who presided over various arts and sciences. She was believed to be the muse who inspired the greatest poets and philosophers of the era, including Homer, the renowned author of the Iliad and the Odyssey. Calliope was often depicted holding a writing tablet or a scroll, symbolizing her patronage over epic poetry and eloquence.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Caliope can be traced back to ancient Greek texts and writings, where it was used to refer to the Muse herself or as a poetic epithet. Over time, the name gained popularity and was adopted as a given name for individuals, particularly in regions influenced by Greek culture and mythology.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Caliope or its variants. One of the earliest recorded individuals was Calliope Syrica (c. 300 BCE), a Greek poet and grammarian from Syracuse who wrote works on the art of poetry. In the 16th century, Calliope Palaiologina (c. 1510-1580) was a renowned Greek scholar and writer who contributed to the preservation of ancient Greek literature during the Renaissance.

During the 18th century, Caliope Andronica (1718-1792) was a Greek poet and writer who gained recognition for her contributions to modern Greek literature. In the 19th century, Calliope Milies (1822-1899) was a Greek poet and educator who played a significant role in the promotion of women's education in Greece.

Another notable figure was Calliope Arvanitide (1862-1933), a Greek novelist and short story writer who was celebrated for her realistic portrayal of rural life in Greece. Her works played a crucial role in the development of modern Greek literature.

These examples illustrate the enduring legacy of the name Caliope, which has been carried by individuals from various backgrounds and eras, all connected by their association with literature, poetry, and the arts – a testament to the name's rich cultural and mythological origins.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Caliope was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Caliope, please contact us.

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