The name Kalli is believed to have its origins in the Finnish language. It is a diminutive form of the name Kaarina, which is the Finnish version of the name Catherine. The name Kaarina is derived from the Greek name Aikaterine, which means "pure" or "unsullied."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kalli can be found in the Finnish epic poem, the Kalevala. The Kalevala is a 19th-century work of poetry compiled from Finnish and Karelian oral folklore and mythology. In the poem, there is a character named Kalli, who is depicted as a beautiful and virtuous young woman.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who have borne the name Kalli. One of the earliest recorded examples is Kalli Rovio, a Finnish painter and illustrator who lived from 1865 to 1944. She was known for her naturalistic paintings of landscapes and still life scenes.

Another notable Kalli was Kalli Siiskonen, a Finnish cross-country skier who competed in the 1960s and 1970s. She won a bronze medal in the 4x5 km relay event at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France.

In the literary world, Kalli Siiskonen was a Finnish author and poet who lived from 1924 to 1991. She was known for her poetry collections, which often explored themes of nature and the human experience.

A more recent example is Kalli Kalde, an Estonian actress who was born in 1977. She has appeared in numerous Estonian films and television shows and is considered one of the country's most prominent actresses.

Lastly, Kalli Purie is an Indian media executive and the vice-chairperson of the India Today Group, one of the largest media conglomerates in India. She was born in 1957 and has played a significant role in the growth and development of the company.