All about the name

Cal

Female

« Cal is a Latin-derived name meaning 'bald', traced back to the Latin word 'calvus'. Though uncommon, it has historical references like Caius in the Bible and Calabim in Milton's 'Paradise Lost'. »

#55391 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

The name Cal is of Latin origin and means "bald." It is believed to have originated from the Latin word "calvus," which also means bald or hairless. While it may seem unusual, this name has been used throughout history and has even appeared in literature. One of the earliest known references to the name Cal comes from the New Testament of the Bible. In the Acts of the Apostles, there is a man named Caius (also spelled Calvis) who was a member of the Roman Senate during the time of Emperor Claudius. It is possible that his name evolved into Cal over time. In literature, the name Cal appears in John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost." In this work, one of the fallen angels is named Calabim, which may have been inspired by the Latin root for baldness. It is also possible that this name was influenced by the Hebrew word "kalah," which means "bride" or "end." Despite its unusual meaning, the name Cal has gained popularity in recent years. In the United States, it has appeared on the Social Security Administration's list of most popular baby names for several years now, although it is still relatively rare compared to more traditional names. Overall, the name Cal is a unique and historic choice that may appeal to parents looking for something different for their child. While its meaning may be unexpected, there is no doubt that this name has a rich history behind it and can make a distinctive statement.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Cal since 1880

Total births
10
Total since 1880
Peak year
1954
5 births
in 1955
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years