Find out how popular the first name Kali has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kali by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kali is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 97% of people named Kali being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,066 female babies and 29 male babies born with the name Kali.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 29 baby boys were named Kali in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Kali

The name Kali has its origins in the Sanskrit language, with roots dating back to ancient India. It is primarily associated with the Hindu goddess Kali, who is revered as the goddess of time, change, and destruction. The word 'Kali' itself derives from the Sanskrit word 'Kala,' which means black, time, death, or the principle of eternity.

The name Kali holds significant religious and cultural significance in Hinduism. The Devi Mahatmya, a Sanskrit text that praises the divine feminine, contains extensive references to the goddess Kali. This text, composed between the 5th and 6th centuries CE, describes Kali as the supreme deity who triumphs over evil forces.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Kali can be found in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Here, Kali is depicted as the goddess of destruction, who emerges at the end of the Kali Yuga, the final era of the world cycle. The goddess Kali plays a pivotal role in many Hindu myths and legends.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kali. One of the earliest was Kali Das (circa 3rd-4th century BCE), a renowned Sanskrit poet and playwright, considered one of the greatest literary figures in ancient India. His most famous works include the epic poems Raghuvamsa and Kumarasambhava.

Another influential figure was Kali Prasad Mukhopadhyay (1799-1888), a Bengali writer, and social reformer who advocated for the abolition of the practice of Sati (widow burning) and the promotion of women's education in India.

In the realm of arts and culture, Kali Dasgupta (1904-1975) was a celebrated Indian artist and sculptor, renowned for his innovative and experimental approaches to art. His works often depicted themes from Hindu mythology and ancient Indian traditions.

Kali Ghosh (1909-1997) was a prominent Indian classical musician and exponent of the Senia Gharana tradition of Hindustani classical music. She was known for her mastery of the khyal style of vocal music and received numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors.

More recently, Kali Uchis (born 1993) is a Colombian-American singer and songwriter who has gained recognition for her unique blend of genres, including R&B, soul, and reggaeton. Her debut album, Isolation, received critical acclaim and showcased her versatile musical talents.

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 Kali was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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