Kali Name Meaning

In Hinduism, the meaning of Kali is the “black one” as it is associated with time, change and destruction. But Kali is also considered a loving mother and protector of her devotees. She is also associated with empowerment and overcoming obstacles, making her a powerful and popular goddess among Hindus.

Origins of the Name Kali

Kali is a Hindu goddess, known for her fierce, destroyer aspect. She’s often depicted as a dark-skinned woman with wild, unkempt hair, and she’s usually shown holding a sword or trident. But despite her fearsome appearance, Kali is actually considered to be a benevolent goddess who destroys evil and protects her devotees.

The name Kali is derived from the Sanskrit word “kala,” which means “time” or “black.” In Hinduism, Kali is often associated with time and change, as she is seen as the destroyer of the old, making way for the new.

Popularity of the Name Kali

Kali is not a very popular name for girls. In fact, it’s not even in the top 1000 names for baby girls in the United States. So, if you do decide to name your daughter Kali, she’ll likely be one of a kind. But that’s not a bad thing, is it? Being unique is pretty cool, after all.

Final Thoughts on the Name Kali

If you’re thinking of naming your little girl Kali, you might be wondering what kind of person she’ll grow up to be. Will she be a fierce warrior, striking fear in the hearts of her enemies? A powerful goddess, worshipped and revered by all?

In conclusion, Kali is not a name that strikes fear in the hearts of anyone. It’s a pretty cool name with an interesting history and meaning. It’s not a very popular name, but that means your daughter will be unique. And let’s face it, being unique is pretty cool. Just make sure you explain the meaning and origin of the name to her, so she knows what she’s representing.

Infographic of Kali name meaning, which is A name of Sanskrit origin, Kali means the black one and is also the name of a Hindu goddess.
Ask your friends & family about Kali…

Kali Name Popularity

How popular is the name Kali? Here’s everything we know.

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 0 0%
1911 0 0%
1912 0 0%
1913 0 0%
1914 0 0%
1915 0 0%
1916 0 0%
1917 0 0%
1918 0 0%
1919 0 0%
1920 0 0%
1921 0 0%
1922 0 0%
1923 0 0%
1924 0 0%
1925 0 0%
1926 0 0%
1927 0 0%
1928 0 0%
1929 0 0%
1930 0 0%
1931 0 0%
1932 0 0%
1933 0 0%
1934 0 0%
1935 0 0%
1936 0 0%
1937 0 0%
1938 0 0%
1939 0 0%
1940 0 0%
1941 0 0%
1942 0 0%
1943 0 0%
1944 0 0%
1945 0 0%
1946 0 0%
1947 0 0%
1948 0 0%
1949 0 0%
1950 0 0%
1951 0 0%
1952 0 0%
1953 0 0%
1954 0 0%
1955 0 0%
1956 0 0%
1957 0 0%
1958 0 0%
1959 0 0%
1960 0 0%
1961 0 0%
1962 0 0%
1963 0 0%
1964 0 0%
1965 0 0%
1966 0 0%
1967 0 0%
1968 0 0%
1969 0 0%
1970 0 0%
1971 1,454 30 0.002%
1972 2,690 5 0.0004%
1973 2,083 9 0.0007%
1974 1,381 32 0.0025%
1975 1,829 15 0.0012%
1976 2,341 7 0.0005%
1977 2,861 5 0.0004%
1978 2,116 12 0.0009%
1979 2,727 6 0.0004%
1980 1,504 35 0.0024%
1981 1,114 74 0.005%
1982 962 105 0.007%
1983 817 134 0.0091%
1984 606 249 0.0167%
1985 602 270 0.0178%
1986 555 315 0.0209%
1987 573 296 0.0194%
1988 579 306 0.0196%
1989 498 427 0.0265%
1990 438 531 0.032%
1991 452 520 0.0319%
1992 407 590 0.037%
1993 405 572 0.0367%
1994 388 612 0.0399%
1995 344 732 0.0486%
1996 331 824 0.055%
1997 343 781 0.0528%
1998 396 662 0.0442%
1999 372 744 0.0497%
2000 426 629 0.0412%
2001 468 553 0.0367%
2002 530 471 0.0314%
2003 558 460 0.0302%
2004 533 492 0.0323%
2005 518 525 0.0343%
2006 542 509 0.0325%
2007 469 647 0.041%
2008 496 579 0.0375%
2009 496 567 0.0379%
2010 535 498 0.0346%
2011 485 563 0.0395%
2012 401 726 0.0509%
2013 359 830 0.0583%
2014 254 1,226 0.0841%
2015 263 1,146 0.0788%
2016 294 1,057 0.0733%
2017 291 1,056 0.0757%
2018 271 1,151 0.0838%
2019 233 1,284 0.0948%
2020 255 1,124 0.0883%
2021 280 1,019 0.0834%
2022 249 1,202 0.0911%

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Data via SSA.gov.


Names Like Kali

If you like Kali, you’ll love these other names like Kali.


What names are variants of Kali?

Mix it up with these names that are a variation of the name Kali.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Kalli

Cup; fairest, most beautiful; beautiful, lovely; black

Indian (Sanskrit)


What names sound like Kali?

If you like how Kali sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Kali.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Cali

Beautiful one

Greek

Kaeli

Slender

Gaelic

Kahli

Greek

Kaili

Slender

Gaelic

Kalei

The flower wreath; the beloved

Polynesian

Kalia

The flower wreath; the beloved

Polynesian

Kalie

Darling, beloved; slender

Gaelic

Kaly

Beautiful, lovely; darling, beloved

Greek

Kayli

Slender

Gaelic

Kyli

What names are similar to Kali?

Find a name that’s like Kali, but just a little bit different.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Kala

Lists With Kali

Find inspiration in these baby girl name lists featuring the name Kali.


Siblings of Kali

Mamas with kids named Kali also have kids with these names.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Scott

From Scotland, a Scotsman

English

Lexi

Defender of man

Greek

Sophia

Wisdom

Greek

12 Comments

  1. I named my daughter Kali because I loved the name but did not know the meaning and what it represented; however, I could not have chosen a more perfect name . She is strong and independent as they come and happens to be a goddess in my eyes.

  2. this is my name, the meaning was taken into consideration from a baby book, my mom says she read “the mother of time, therefore the mother of everything in this world, but she chose to pronounce it Kay-Lee. i’m always correcting people, but atleast it’s unique i guess

    • Same here! But my name is pronounced Kal-ee.

  3. wow this name reminds me of a certain someone..

  4. I had Kali early in my life and I loved the uniqueness of her name and the strength of its meaning in India and in Greek it means rosebud which I love to death!

  5. The most beautiful

  6. It’s uncommon and beautiful.

  7. It’s absolutely beautiful I wouldn’t change it. No I didn’t gets if from california. I wanted 4 letters that end in I and it just seemed perfect. It was natural.

  8. I chose this name because I was born in California. I like it because it is simple and unique with the letter “K”. It means dark goddess/energy.

    • I love how I can get information on my name

      • omg twins

      • My names is kali and I love thee name when my teachers looked up my name I was embarrassed but when I look it up I was happy


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