Meaning, origin, history
Callista is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It comes from the ancient Greek word "kallistos", which means "most beautiful". The name was used in ancient Greece as an epithet for the goddess Hera, who was known as Callisto among other names.
The name Callista has been popular throughout history, with several notable figures sharing this name. One of the most well-known is Saint Callista, a Christian martyr who was beheaded during the reign of Emperor Aurelian in the 3rd century AD. She is venerated as a saint by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
Despite its ancient origins, the name Callista has not been particularly common throughout history. However, it has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Australia. Today, Callista is often chosen as a given name for girls due to its unique sound and beautiful meaning.
In summary, Callista is a feminine given name of Greek origin that means "most beautiful". It has been used throughout history by several notable figures, including Saint Callista, and has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Despite its ancient origins, the name remains a unique and beautiful choice for girls today.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Callista since 1880
Total births
2,405
Total since 1880
Peak year
1999
137 births
in 2023
29
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-7%
↘
vs previous 5 years