The name Callie is a diminutive form of the feminine name Callista, which originates from the Greek language. Callista is derived from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "beauty." This name was popular in ancient Greece and Rome, where physical beauty was highly valued and celebrated.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Callista can be found in the ancient Roman novel "The Golden Ass" by Apuleius, written in the 2nd century AD. In this work, Callista is the name of a character described as a beautiful and virtuous young woman.

The name Callie gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century as a shortened form of Callista. It was particularly common in the United States, where it was often given to girls as a nod to their perceived beauty or as a reflection of their parents' admiration for the ancient Greek ideals of physical perfection.

One notable historical figure with the name Callie was Callie House (1889-1988), an American actress and vaudeville performer who was active in the early 20th century. She starred in several Broadway productions and silent films during her career.

Another famous Callie was Callie Russell Porter (1897-1976), an American painter and printmaker known for her landscapes and depictions of rural life in the American South. Her works are held in the collections of major museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

In the literary world, Callie Mercer (1936-2021) was a Canadian author and playwright whose works often explored themes of identity, family, and the experiences of women. Her novel "Leaving Home" won the Governor General's Award for English-language fiction in 1976.

Callie Lipton (1889-1962) was an American social worker and activist who played a significant role in establishing the field of medical social work. She worked tirelessly to improve healthcare access and support services for underprivileged communities.

Lastly, Callie House Holtzendorff (1878-1952) was an American educator and advocate for women's education. She served as the president of Georgia Female College (now Wesleyan College) from 1918 to 1942 and was instrumental in expanding educational opportunities for women in the South during the early 20th century.