The name Kalia has its origins in Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language that flourished in the Indian subcontinent. It is believed to have originated around the 2nd millennium BCE, during the height of the Vedic period in ancient Indian civilization.

In Sanskrit, the name Kalia is derived from the word "kali," which means "black" or "dark." It is often associated with the Hindu goddess Kali, who is revered as the embodiment of divine feminine power, destruction, and rebirth. The name may have been given to individuals with dark complexions or as a way to invoke the protection and blessings of the goddess.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kalia can be found in the Mahabharata, a ancient Hindu epic poem composed between the 8th and 9th centuries BCE. In the text, Kalia is mentioned as the name of a naga (serpent deity) who was defeated by the god Krishna.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Kalia. One of the earliest was Kalia, a 6th-century CE Indian mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of trigonometry.

Another prominent figure was Kalia Bhatta, a 17th-century Indian poet and scholar from Bengal, who wrote extensively on Hindu philosophy and religious texts.

In the 19th century, Kalia Prasad Mukhopadhyay was a renowned Bengali writer and social reformer who advocated for women's education and fought against the practice of sati (widow-burning).

More recently, Kalia Mamba was a celebrated Congolese musician and singer-songwriter, known for his contributions to the Soukous genre, who lived from 1949 to 1999.

Kalia Charan Handa was an Indian freedom fighter and politician who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement and later served as a member of parliament, born in 1899 and passing away in 1986.

While the name Kalia has its roots in ancient Sanskrit and Hindu culture, it has transcended geographical and religious boundaries, with individuals from various backgrounds adopting it over the centuries.