Kali Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Kali Name Meaning

Fact: In Vedic astrology, Kali is associated with the planet Saturn, representing discipline, responsibility, and life lessons.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Kali Overview

Meaning

The black one, time, the Divine Mother

Gender

Girl

Origin

Sanskrit

Etymology

Derived from the Sanskrit word “Kālī,” meaning “the black one” or “the divine mother” in Hindu mythology.

Religion

Hinduism

Pronunciation

/ˈkɑːli/

Popularity

Kali is known in various cultures, including India and the USA. In 2023, Kali ranked #299 for girls in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

4 letters

Numerology

6 (Nurturing, Responsible, Balanced)

Name Styles

Mythological, Exotic, Religious and Spiritual, Short

Associated Traits

Fierce, independent, mystical

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Associated with the Hindu goddess Kali, symbolizing destruction and rebirth, as well as empowerment.
A Deep Dive

Kali Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Kalia, Kalinda, Kalina, Kalista, Kalyssa, Kalani, Kalifa, Kalin

Common Nicknames

Kay, Kiki, Lili, Kals, Kally

Diminutives

Kal, Ali, K, Lia, Ka

Famous People

  • Kali Uchis
    (Colombian-American Singer)
  • Kali Rocha
    (American Actress)
  • Kali Hawk
    (American Actress)
  • Kali Muscle
    (American Bodybuilder)
  • Kali Troy
    (American Voice Actress)
  • Kali Fajardo-Anstine
    (American Author)
  • Kali Nikitas
    (American Designer)
  • Kali Reis
    (American Boxer)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Kali
    ("Stranger Things," TV Series)
  • Kali
    ("San Andreas," Film)
  • "Kali: The Secret"
    (Novel)
  • "The Road to Kali"
    (Song)
  • "Temple of Kali"
    (Video Game)
  • "Kali's Call"
    (Play)

Places

  • Kali River
    (Karnataka, India)
  • Kali Temple
    (Dakshineswar, India)
  • Kali Gandaki River
    (Nepal)
  • Kali City
    (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan)
  • Kali Basin
    (Balaton Highlands, Hungary)

What Is the Meaning of Kali?

Kali means “black” or “dark” in Sanskrit. It is often associated with the Hindu goddess Kali, symbolizing destruction and rebirth.

What Is the Origin of The Name Kali?

Kali originates from the Sanskrit word “Kāla.” It is closely associated with the Hindu goddess Kali, who represents time, change, power, and destruction.

Kali Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Kali in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#2832021#2502022#2902023
Top 3 Rankings#2422019#2502022#2532020

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Kali

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023290
(-40 from 2022)
1066
(-159 from 2022)
0.06094
2022250
(+33 from 2021)
1225
(+102 from 2021)
0.06832
2021283
(-30 from 2020)
1123
(-57 from 2020)
0.06268
2020253
(-11 from 2019)
1180
(-131 from 2019)
0.06675
2019242
(+32 from 2018)
1311
(+106 from 2018)
0.07145
2018274
(+28 from 2017)
1205
(+116 from 2017)
0.06480
2017302
(-2 from 2016)
1089
(+3 from 2016)
0.05764
2016300
(-33 from 2015)
1086
(-100 from 2015)
0.05610
2015267
(-6 from 2014)
1186
(-74 from 2014)
0.06079
2014261
(+102 from 2013)
1260
(+388 from 2013)
0.06441
2013363
(+57 from 2012)
872
(+124 from 2012)
0.04524
2012420
(+73 from 2011)
748
(+146 from 2011)
0.03857
2011493
(+44 from 2010)
602
(+57 from 2010)
0.03107
2010537
(-36 from 2009)
545
(-57 from 2009)
0.02780
2009501
(+3 from 2008)
602
(-16 from 2008)
0.02973
2008504
(-18 from 2007)
618
(-50 from 2007)
0.02967
2007486
(+54 from 2006)
668
(+119 from 2006)
0.03156
2006540
(-14 from 2005)
549
(-5 from 2005)
0.02626
2005526
(+17 from 2004)
554
(+27 from 2004)
0.02730
2004543
(+19 from 2003)
527
(+33 from 2003)
0.02612
2003562
(-10 from 2002)
494
(-1 from 2002)
0.02462
2002552
(-83 from 2001)
495
(-97 from 2001)
0.02506
2001469
(-44 from 2000)
592
(-68 from 2000)
0.02988
2000425
(-50 from 1999)
660
(-103 from 1999)
0.03307
1999375
(+25 from 1998)
763
(+77 from 1998)
0.03919
1998400
(-52 from 1997)
686
(-114 from 1997)
0.03539
1997348
(-16 from 1996)
800
(-50 from 1996)
0.04190
1996332
(+15 from 1995)
850
(+94 from 1995)
0.04433
1995347
(+41 from 1994)
756
(+106 from 1994)
0.03934
1994388
(+32 from 1993)
650
(+55 from 1993)
0.03334
1993420
(-16 from 1992)
595
(-35 from 1992)
0.03018
1992404
(+49 from 1991)
630
(+70 from 1991)
0.03143
1991453
(-9 from 1990)
560
(+2 from 1990)
0.02754
1990444
(+53 from 1989)
558
(+86 from 1989)
0.02716
1989497
(+87 from 1988)
472
(+124 from 1988)
0.02369
1988584
(-11 from 1987)
348
(+2 from 1987)
0.01810
1987573
(-14 from 1986)
346
(-13 from 1986)
0.01846
1986559
(+31 from 1985)
359
(+30 from 1985)
0.01945
1985590
(-1 from 1984)
329
(+23 from 1984)
0.01782
1984589
(+185 from 1983)
306
(+100 from 1983)
0.01697
1983774
(+136 from 1982)
206
(+40 from 1982)
0.01151
1982910
(+171 from 1981)
166
(+37 from 1981)
0.00915
19811081
(+292 from 1980)
129
(+38 from 1980)
0.00721
19801373
(+579 from 1979)
91
(+38 from 1979)
0.00511
19791952
(-372 from 1978)
53
(-15 from 1978)
0.00308
19781580
(+121 from 1977)
68
(+7 from 1977)
0.00414
19771701
(+267 from 1976)
61
(+16 from 1976)
0.00371
19761968
(-382 from 1975)
45
(-17 from 1975)
0.00286
19751586
(-87 from 1974)
62
(-3 from 1974)
0.00397
19741499
(+768 from 1973)
65
(+31 from 1973)
0.00415
19732267
(-463 from 1972)
34
(-13 from 1972)
0.00219
19721804
(-229 from 1971)
47
(-14 from 1971)
0.00291
19711575
(+875 from 1970)
61
(+31 from 1970)
0.00348
19702450
(+1011 from 1969)
30
(+14 from 1969)
0.00164
19693461
(+1318 from 1968)
16
(+7 from 1968)
0.00091
19684779
(-934 from 1967)
9
(-3 from 1967)
0.00053
19673845
(+648 from 1966)
12
(+3 from 1966)
0.00070
19664493
(+1319 from 1965)
9
(+3 from 1965)
0.00051
19655812
(-1457 from 1964)
6
(-4 from 1964)
0.00033
19644355
(+1536 from 1963)
10
(+4 from 1963)
0.00051
19635891
(-597 from 1962)
6
(-1 from 1962)
0.00030
19625294
(+1274 from 1961)
7
(+2 from 1961)
0.00035
19616568
(-1399 from 1960)
5
(-2 from 1960)
0.00024
19605169
(-544 from 1959)
7
(-1 from 1959)
0.00034
19594625
(+264 from 1958)
8
(+1 from 1958)
0.00038
19584889
(+488 from 1957)
7
(+1 from 1957)
0.00034
19575377
First SSA data recorded
6
First SSA data recorded
0.00029
19560
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19550
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19540
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19530
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19520
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19510
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19500
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19490
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19480
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19470
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19450
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19430
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Kali

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#5222021#3792022#4832023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#3552021#3132022#3142023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#2422021#2012022#2302023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#3212021#2472022#3592023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#2462021#2272022#2422023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#1512021#862022#1302023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#2582021#2832022#2692023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#1922021#2192022#2152023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#2812021#2152022#3412023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#1352021#1662022#2122023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#672021#1092022#812023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#2492021#2762022#4152023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#2642021#2862022#2592023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#6012021#9202022#6282023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#2152021#2242022#3622023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#2462021#2912022#2942023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#3052021#4862022#3112023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#10172021#3742022#4892023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#8802021#4322022#4612023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#1942021#2862022#2812023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#1002021#1302022#1052023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#1972021#1052022#1902023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#5112021#4282022#4032023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#2122021#1212022#1372023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#3592021#5302022#4462023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#6002021#2412022#3992023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#6642021#6022022#8332023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#7182020#7732021#6442022

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#3462019#4132020#5412022

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#1052021#1042022#622023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#1532021#2532022#2782023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#6192017#5122019#6622023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#4702019#6592022#3332023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#1662021#1782022#3412023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#2932019#4522022#4442023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#4002021#2222022#2792023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3402015#3002016#3542019

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#2972020#3502021#2962022

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2082010#2482015#1592018

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1502020#1242021#1242023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#2402012#2242017#1932018

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#1902007#2042014#1982018

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#2232007#2392008#2192018

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#2432007#1982008#1862012

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1302019#1982022#1152023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1382007#2162014#1992016

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#4552012#3672019#2882022

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#2042016#2102017#1462021

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2861988#2522003#2072015

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#1122008

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1231989

Popularity Rankings for Kali in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#3612018#3362019#2232021

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#2452021#4182022#2632023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#4852021#5282022#3572023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#3902021#4202022#3642023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#6132020#8412021#6012022

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#9951998#9982002#7712020

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Kali a Name for Boys or Girls?

Kali is mainly a feminine name. The association with the powerful goddess Kali, who embodies female strength and empowerment, makes it popular for girls.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Kali

Kali in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Kali Uchis (Singer, born 1994): A Colombian-American singer and songwriter recognized for her unique musical style blending various genres.
  • Kali Rocha (Actress, born 1971): An American actress noted for her roles in TV shows such as "Grey's Anatomy" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
  • Kali Hawk (Actress, born 1986): An American actress and comedian featured in films like "Bridesmaids" and TV shows like "New Girl."
  • Kali Muscle (Bodybuilder, born 1975): An American bodybuilder and actor who gained fame through his fitness videos and motivational content.
  • Kali Troy (Voice Actress, born 1971): An American voice actress also known as Kittie, lending her voice to various animated series and films.
  • Kali Fajardo-Anstine (Author, born 1987): An American author celebrated for her book "Sabrina & Corina," which was a finalist for the National Book Award.
  • Kali Nikitas (Designer, born 1965): An American graphic designer and educator known for her work in design education and innovative projects.
  • Kali Reis (Boxer, born 1986): An American professional boxer who has won multiple titles in the sport.
  • Kali ("Stranger Things," 2016 TV Series): A character with psychic powers who forms a gang and seeks revenge on those who wronged her.
  • Kali ("San Andreas," 2015 Film): A minor character caught in the chaos of a massive earthquake in California.
  • "Kali: The Secret" (2014 Novel): Explores the mysterious life of a woman with supernatural abilities.
  • "The Road to Kali" (2012 Song): A haunting ballad about a journey of self-discovery and resilience.
  • "Temple of Kali" (1990 Video Game): An adventure game where players explore an ancient temple and uncover hidden secrets.
  • "Kali's Call" (2018 Play): A dramatic story about a woman's fight for justice in a corrupt society.
  • Kali River (Karnataka, India): A river flowing through the Western Ghats, famous for its lush green surroundings and wildlife.
  • Kali Temple (Dakshineswar, India): A historic temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River.
  • Kali Gandaki River (Nepal): A major river in Nepal, known for carving the world's deepest gorge.
  • Kali City (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan): A small city in the mountainous region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
  • Kali Basin (Balaton Highlands, Hungary): A picturesque region in Hungary known for its vineyards and rolling hills.
  • Kali Mati (Uttarakhand, India): A small village located in the Kumaon region, surrounded by scenic mountains.

Similar Names to Kali

Sibling Names for Kali

Parents Who Like the Name Kali Also Like

To wrap up, Kali offers a unique blend of charm and strength, making it a great choice for any baby. Like what you’ve read? Share and comment your thoughts.
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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