The meaning of the name calista

Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Calista

Calista is a name with two possible origins, one Greek and one Latin. The Greek word “kallistos” (Καλλιστος) means “fairest, most beautiful” in reference to a mythological nymph named Kallisto (with whom the god Zeus fell in love). Another source suggests that Calista comes from the Latin male name Calixtus – from the Latin word “calix” meaning “cup” (specifically the cup used for the wine during the Christian sacrament). Apropos, Callixtus was a named shared by three different popes. According to Greek mythology, the beautiful virginal nymph Kallisto was a follower of Zeus’s daughter Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. Zeus spotted Kallisto and became instantly enraptured with the beautiful nymph. The god of god’s disguised himself in order to trick Kallisto into his embrace; it obviously worked because she bore him a son Arcas. Artemis, however, was not pleased with her father’s indiscretion so she shot Kallisto with her silver arrow to avenge her mother Hera. Zeus took pity on the nymph and his son, so he turned them into bears and set them in the night sky as stars (known as the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor which translates to Larger Bear and Smaller Bear in Latin). The Latin form of Calista has never been a particularly popular name in English-speaking countries; considered too exotic and bohemian. The nicknames Callie and Kallie have been used with far greater frequency.

All About the Baby Name – Calista

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME CALISTA

The Number 2 personality in numerology is all about cooperation and balance. It's the number of diplomats and mediators. They are not leaders, but strive rather for harmony in partnerships. These are the peacemakers. Equality and fairness are important in their dealings, and they are willing to share power and responsibility to achieve a harmonious outcome. This personality is calm and patient, waiting for things to evolve instead of pushing aggressively for an outcome. They are good-natured and easy-going, and care deeply on an emotional and spiritual plane. Twos appreciate beauty and nature and are intent on making the world a better place.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME CALISTA

If you look at the chart below, we can tell you exactly what happened with this particular name’s usage history in the United States. In fact, we just have two words for you: Calista Flockhart. In other words, Calista has only held positions on America’s Top 1000 list of baby girl names for only seven years (1998-2004) which were timed precisely alongside the airing of “Ally McBeal” (1997-2002) which starred actress Calista Flockhart. Ally McBeal debuted at the end of 1997, and Calista showed up on the girl’s naming list at position #697 out of 1000 in 1998 (which is a pretty respectable first time showing). Prior, Calista was considered so obscure and used so rarely that it was pretty much off the American radar. Calista is a pretty name; some might argue it’s the “most beautiful”. We couldn’t agree more! We like this name for its connection to Greek mythology (i.e., Kallisto) and for its “fairest” etymology. Calista is back to being rare and underused (making it a more original name choice).

Quick Facts

ON CALISTA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

kə-LIS-tə

SIMPLE MEANING:

Fairest, most beautiful

Characteristics

OF CALISTA

Cooperative

Considerate

Compassionate

Nurturing

Sensitive

Patient

Loving

Kind

Gracious

Balanced

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Calista

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME CALISTA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Calista

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME CALISTA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Calista

Popular Songs

ON CALISTA

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Calista

Famous People

NAMED CALISTA

Calista Flockhart (actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED CALISTA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Calista

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME CALISTA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Calista