Holding steady.
Popularity of Calais since 1984
Babies named Calais per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 42 | 0 |
| 1990s | 24 | 0 |
| 2000s | 27 | 0 |
| 2010s | 64 | 32 |
| 2020s | 22 | 52 |
Meaning & origin
Calais is an uncommon unisex name first recorded in the United States in 1984. Its peak year of usage was 2010, but it has never ranked among the top 1000 names. The name's trajectory has been stable, with occasional small spikes. Its origin is unclear, possibly inspired by the French city of Calais or a creative respelling of Calla. The name has not been strongly associated with any particular state or region. As a modern coinage, its appeal lies in its soft, two-syllable sound and the fashionable 'ay' ending.
Calais is a modern given name of uncertain derivation. It may be inspired by the French port city of Calais, which has a disputed etymology possibly from Celtic or Latin roots. Alternatively, it could be a feminine variant of Calla (from Greek 'kallos,' meaning beauty) or a short form of Calista. The name has seen sporadic use in the United States since the 1980s, primarily as a unisex choice.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cal, Cali, Lay
Sibling names for Calais
Names that share Calais's style, for a brother or sister.
