Kali
Kali is a boy's name of Sanskrit origin.
Meaning
Black, dark, or time in Sanskrit; hesitating or slow in Hawaiian.
Origin and history
Kali as a masculine name has roots in Sanskrit, where it refers to the black or dark aspect of the universe, and in Hawaiian contexts where it can mean hesitating or delayed. Though far more popular for females in the U.S. due to the Hindu goddess Kali, it sees occasional use as a male name. It remains a rare choice for boys in recent American birth records.
Popularity in the United States
911 babies in the United States have been named Kali since 1880. It ranks #3767 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1734.
States where it is most popular
- CA (33.8 %)
- NY (20.6 %)
- TX (16.2 %)
- FL (7.4 %)
- GA (7.4 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 0 |
| 1960-1970 | 0 |
| 1970-1980 | 132 |
| 1980-1990 | 71 |
| 1990-2000 | 112 |
| 2000-2010 | 145 |
| 2010-2019 | 258 |
| 2020-2029 | 193 |
Fun facts
- While widely recognized as the Hindu deity of time and change, Kali also exists as a traditional Hawaiian male name.
- Although predominantly used for girls in the U.S., Kali has consistently appeared as a rare male name in official records.