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Meaning
Usage
Pronunciation
Famous
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Longer forms could be Calafia, Calanthia, Calixta, Calla, Calogera and Calpurnia.
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Callie Siskel is a poet and a poetry editor at the Los Angeles Review of Books.
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Callie is the main character of the graphic novel Drama by Raina Telgemeier.
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My name is Callie, as was my great-grandmother's. In our family it has always been pronounced /kæli/ ("KAL-ee"), rhymes with valley. I am an American English speaker living in the U.S., and have only ever heard it pronounced this way. It may be pronounced differently elsewhere. British English, for example, might not use the /æ/ sound (like the a in cat) for this name, and could instead use the /a:r/ sound (that "AH" sound in the British pronunciation of "far"). I'm not certain.
But in the American south, at least, Callie rhymes with valley.
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But in the American south, at least, Callie rhymes with valley.
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As others have said, a lot of people name their cats Callie. I guess it must be a popular, go-to name for calicos. My name is Callie, as was my great-grandmother's, and while I can't speak for her, I can say that it seems as though every third person I've met in life has replied with "Oh! I have a cat named Callie!", Or "Oh wow, my sister's/best friend's/plumber's cat's name is Callie!" Not a bad thing necessarily, but one does start to question if the name leaves a "pet name" impression on other people.
Personally, I never liked my name but have since grown used to it. I like the youthful feeling it has, because the older I get, the younger it makes me feel. And it is very easy to write, especially in cursive. It also goes well with most middle names. My great-grandmother's middle name was Florence and mine is Elizabeth. I've also heard of Callie May's and Callie Jo's, and at least two other Callie Elizabeths. It also goes well with lots of surnames.
I will say that whatever my personal feelings on the name's impression, I have always received compliments on it, which is nice. It's unique enough that it gets people's attention when you meet them, and easy enough to spell and pronounce that people generally don't feel intimidated by it. Most typically ask if it is short for something, though in my case it is not. Half the time, my closest friends and family usually just call me Cal. As Callie itself is something of a nickname, Cal is probably the only nickname for it.
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Personally, I never liked my name but have since grown used to it. I like the youthful feeling it has, because the older I get, the younger it makes me feel. And it is very easy to write, especially in cursive. It also goes well with most middle names. My great-grandmother's middle name was Florence and mine is Elizabeth. I've also heard of Callie May's and Callie Jo's, and at least two other Callie Elizabeths. It also goes well with lots of surnames.
I will say that whatever my personal feelings on the name's impression, I have always received compliments on it, which is nice. It's unique enough that it gets people's attention when you meet them, and easy enough to spell and pronounce that people generally don't feel intimidated by it. Most typically ask if it is short for something, though in my case it is not. Half the time, my closest friends and family usually just call me Cal. As Callie itself is something of a nickname, Cal is probably the only nickname for it.
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My name is Callie, and it was my great-grandmother's name. As with her name, mine isn't short for anything. I have never heard of it being derived from Caroline. I have always seen and heard, from various sources, that it most likely stems from Greek and means some variation of "beautiful". The only other meaning I've come across was "lark", though I can't remember what language that was or where I saw it. It might have even been on this site but years ago, and has since been disproven. But the overwhelming consensus seems to be the Greek origin.
As such, it seems strange to claim it comes from Caroline. It's a big leap to go from "Karl" to "Karla" to "Kalla" to "Calla" to "Callie". Whereas in Greek it could have been "Kallos" to "Kali" to "Callie". Broadly speaking of course.
There is even the name "Kali" on this site, which I believe is a Hindu goddess. I think that one stems from "Kala", meaning time. While probably only phonetically similar, it still seems closer to Callie than Caroline.
What's more, as a diminutive, the name could come from numerous other sources. As others have already stated, it is known to be a diminutive of Callista and Calliope, among others (most with the Greek root). Caroline, meanwhile, has always had other diminutives that were favored over Callie (Carol, Lina, Linnie, Carrie etc.), though it is certainly true that in the English language diminutives often have nothing to do with original spelling (e.g. "Harry" for "Henry", or "Kit" for "Christopher").
TL/DR: Caroline is a beautiful name, but this seems a stretch to claim it as the definitive origin of Callie. Caroline comes from Charles, which ultimately comes from Karl, I believe, which I think is of Nordic or Germanic origin. It seems entirely removed from Callie, which has other, more straightforward possible origins at hand. Perhaps there truly is a connection to Caroline, but the other known connections and possible origins should be noted too.
Disclaimer: Not a linguist but have studied linguistics and have been a long-time follower of this site. Certainly not a professional, but I love learning about languages and etymologies so I'll just leave my two cents here for what it's worth.
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As such, it seems strange to claim it comes from Caroline. It's a big leap to go from "Karl" to "Karla" to "Kalla" to "Calla" to "Callie". Whereas in Greek it could have been "Kallos" to "Kali" to "Callie". Broadly speaking of course.
There is even the name "Kali" on this site, which I believe is a Hindu goddess. I think that one stems from "Kala", meaning time. While probably only phonetically similar, it still seems closer to Callie than Caroline.
What's more, as a diminutive, the name could come from numerous other sources. As others have already stated, it is known to be a diminutive of Callista and Calliope, among others (most with the Greek root). Caroline, meanwhile, has always had other diminutives that were favored over Callie (Carol, Lina, Linnie, Carrie etc.), though it is certainly true that in the English language diminutives often have nothing to do with original spelling (e.g. "Harry" for "Henry", or "Kit" for "Christopher").
TL/DR: Caroline is a beautiful name, but this seems a stretch to claim it as the definitive origin of Callie. Caroline comes from Charles, which ultimately comes from Karl, I believe, which I think is of Nordic or Germanic origin. It seems entirely removed from Callie, which has other, more straightforward possible origins at hand. Perhaps there truly is a connection to Caroline, but the other known connections and possible origins should be noted too.
Disclaimer: Not a linguist but have studied linguistics and have been a long-time follower of this site. Certainly not a professional, but I love learning about languages and etymologies so I'll just leave my two cents here for what it's worth.
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I have a friend named Callie, but a lot of people also name their cats Callie. I've met more cats than humans that have this name.
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My name is actually Callie, spelt the same way. I do get a bit irritated having to tell people how it's pronounced more than at least 3 times. It gets quite annoying. Same thing goes with the spelling. I decided to go by Cals though as a nickname and I think people are getting better at pronouncing the nickname more than the actual name. I recommend going by some sort of nickname. It's a lot easier. I do really like the name but I feel like it doesn't fit well on me.
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My name is Callie, and I think it is beautiful! I love seeing the different ways to spell it. I also don't see it as a derivative of Caroline, though.
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I would never use Callie. Whether as a given name or first name, it sounds childish in my opinion. I also don't understand how this is a diminutive of Caroline.
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Cute, but I would never use it because it sounds like a dog's name too much (Along with Zoey, Kona, etc.).
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It's a very nice name. I know a Callie but she spells it Kali.
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Cute! Cali is also wonderful!
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I don’t see the appeal of this name. Cute for a pet, but weird on a human...
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What a beautiful name! On its own, as a nickname, spelled with a K or as Cali, etc., it doesn't matter to me! For me, it's more about the sound. I do prefer Callie as a given name as well as this spelling over any other variation of the name, but like I said, awesome regardless. Sounds like it belongs to a very calm but bold, pleasant, kind, amiable girl/woman who knows exactly what she wants and goes after it with persistence and grace.
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Very cute and elegant.
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Dated!
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I've noticed a lot of names have a nickname that changes the r sound to an l sound. This page says Callie is a nickname for Caroline. I also noticed that Hallie is a nickname for Harriet. Does anyone know how this trend, if you can call it that, originated, as well as any other names that follow this pattern?
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Callie is very cute, and I'd use it as a nickname for Calista. I'm not a fan of it as a given name as it sounds rather juvenile, but it's much better than Kaylee or Kelly.
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I love this as a name all on its own. It sounds really sweet.
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I was reading through the comments, to find someone had mentioned that they knew no one who goes by the name Callie... Well Hi, and I am happy myself I have never come across another Callie as it makes me feel unique from the 50 Chloe’s and Amy’s that I know.
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The only Kallie/Callie I know spells her name Kallie, and is named Kalmia. The c just looks weird, and I honestly think it's weird for Callie to be short for any other name. I wish Kalmia was more common, with this as a nickname. I've never even heard of a Caroline who goes by Callie, though I guess it works!
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Callie Claire Tangle is the youngest of the Tangle sisters in the book 'Sisters, One, Two, Three'.
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Callie Anna Rose Bates is the daughter of Gil and Kelly Jo of the TV show “Bringing Up Bates”.
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I love “Callie”. It works well as a full name or a nickname and makes a pretty middle name. This is the best spelling.
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In 2018, 2 is the most common age for an American (U.S.) Callie* who is registered female with the Social Security Administration. It is the 1, 029th most common female first name for living U.S. citizens.
*as a first name, not a nickname.
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*as a first name, not a nickname.
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This is what I am called- it's a bit annoying to hear "and how do you spell that?" over and over. But I like it, it's modern enough to not stand out but old enough (for Caroline at least, in my case) to not feel "made-up".
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My name is actually Callie, and it's not a diminutive of Caroline. I was always told that it was derived from the Greek word for beauty.
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Used as a male name in the US in the late 1800s and early 1900s, inspired by names like Calvin, Callum or others beginning with Cal-.
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Also diminutive of Callirrhoe, Calliope or anything that ends with Greek elements kalos or kallos.
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Callie is the name of a Squid Sister.
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Callie Shaw is the girlfriend of Frank Hardy in The Hardy boys books.
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My grandmother's (mother's side) name was Callie. I was raised believing it was a nickname but was never told what it might have been. Doing geneological research so trying to find out as much as I can. I do know she was of Scot/Irish descent.
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My given name was Callie-Jo, I was actually named after my great grandad who's nickname was Callie due to his surname. So really, my name is a nickname for my surname, never really liked my name when I was younger, and people would call me CJ instead, but as I've grown up I have grown to love my name, although people still call me CJ, Ceej or just Callie.
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A cousin of mine is name Callista and goes by Callie.
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My given name is Colleen, though the nickname Calli was given to me years ago and I use it all the time. I sometimes feel I should spell it Callee as I like that spelling. I also like Callie. It's a very pretty sounding name, though often mispronounced. I also like when just shortened to Cal from those who know me very well.
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I have a cousin named Callie, she loves the name because it's unique like her, but she hates the way people pronounce it like Kelly.
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I love the name. I have a new rescue cat that turned out to be a beautiful Turkish Angora, with soft flowing white hair and brilliant blue eyes. I named her Callie. Like another responder said, I wouldn't hesitate to use the name for my daughter. I do like the spellings, "Cali" and Calli" as well.
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My baby's name is Callie Belén. Her brother wanted to name her California but I suggested lets just call her Cali, which is a city of Colombia. Therefore, I changed the spelling after searching the meaning.
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This name is beautiful.
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I have read in other books that this name comes from Callandra or Callista. Really happy to see it categorized here under Caroline instead. There is a danger with this nickname, and that is it's similarity to the word callipigean.
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Love this name. It's my pen name. It's cute, sweet, quirky, romantic, and strong.
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Sounds so childish, but it's been used for over 200 years... I'll never get this. I want to meet an old lady named Callie now!
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I LOVE the Callie I know! She is quiet and nice!
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I think Callie is an adorable and beautiful name! I used to hate it but now it's my 3rd favorite girl's name and I'd use it in a heartbeat. It goes well with a lot of middle names, too, and isn't too crazy popular. Callie is a great choice for your daughter!
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I know two girls with this name, one of which spells her name "Kallai" (highly don't recommend that spelling). This name is too similar to Kelly and Kaylee.
Also the main character in Patricia McCormick's book "Cut" is named Callie.
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Also the main character in Patricia McCormick's book "Cut" is named Callie.
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Callie can also be used as a nickname for Calanthe, a Greek name meaning ''most beautiful.''
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Callie might also be a nickname for either Calypso or Calypsa. I love this name. I think it can also be used for males, even though less common.
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I was named this gorgeous name, although my Mother and I spell it differently. The name on my birth certificate reads "Calley", although I spell it "Cali". I really do love my name, it isn't often you find someone with this name. This name is very beautiful, and sort of rolls of the tongue! I'm very proud to be a Calley/Callie/Cali!
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Cute. My friends sometimes call me Callie, short for calculator, because I'm good at math.
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Very cute, though rather infantile. I also have a stuffed sea lion named Callie, short for California, where I got it.
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I love this name, but I would spell it 'Calee' or 'Callee' because I would use it as a nickname for 'Caledonia' - another name that I love.
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I think of California every time I see this name.
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I used to know a Kalli in school. I bet it's a variant of this name. This name is nice.
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My name is Callie - though it's not short for anything. My nickname is Calico, which I think is a bit funny since someone else said their cat's name is Calico, nickname Callie.
I really like my name because it's pretty unique, though I do get a bit tired of people spelling it wrong or mispronouncing it.
Also, I think that "Callie" alone is Greek and means "beautiful".
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I really like my name because it's pretty unique, though I do get a bit tired of people spelling it wrong or mispronouncing it.
Also, I think that "Callie" alone is Greek and means "beautiful".
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Callie Shawl is a character in the Hardy Boys books, she is Frank's girlfriend.
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In Grey's Anatomy, this is the name of one of the doctors. It is short for the name Calliope.
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I like the name Callie. It's a nice girl name that's not used too much. But everyone I know with this name spells it "Cali".
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Callie Vernon is the name of a character in Cecily von Ziegesar's series "The It Girl".
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My middle name is Callahan. I think it's a sweet, girly name, and it's certainly much more interesting than my first name, Rachel. Though it does get me a lot of questions. ^___^
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It can also be spelled Calie like mine, though people are always misspelling or mispronunicating it. It's supposed to go that the people who moved from northern Ireland to southern Ireland were called calies by the original southern Irish.
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My daughter is named Catherine Louise and we call her Callie.
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No offense, it's a great name but when I saw the name in Nancy I thought it was pronounced Sally and I thought of it as a hideous name. But now I know it's Kelly (or pronounced that way) and I think it's great.
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I think it is a really cute name!
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I like this name, in fact I think it's great, but to me, it will always be the name of a very evil monkey.
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Such a pretty name and very sweet. Can also be spelled Kallie - a good nickname for Kathleen.
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I had a cat named Callie, but anyways the name Callie reminds me of cute little girls.
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My niece's name is Callie, which fits her perfectly because she is beautiful.
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My sister's name is Callie (a nickname for Caroline.) It is a very sweet name, and can be used as a diminutive for lots of things.
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I know that it is a Celtic name and it means of the forest. Other forms of it in Celtic and Irish are Calli and Callee. It is also used extensively in Hellas (Greece) as a short form of Calliope along with Callia.
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Actually, the Irish and Scots Gaelic word for forest is "coille" (KUH-la) and I don't know of any word in the other Celtic languages (Manx, Welsh, Breton, or Cornish) that resemble the name. The old Irish form would be "caill" and the old Celtic word would be "kaldet".
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I love this name. I think it is very sweet and cute. I have a cat named Calico, and her nickname is Callie. But I wouldn't hesitate to use the name for a human.
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