Rising since 1992, #451 for girls today.
Popularity of Calliope since 1917
Babies named Calliope per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 7 |
| 1920s | 43 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 10 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 55 |
| 2000s | 287 |
| 2010s | 2,339 |
| 2020s | 3,336 |
Meaning & origin
Calliope, the name of the Greek Muse of epic poetry, has seen a striking ascent in recent decades. First recorded in U.S. data in 1917, it remained a rarity for most of the 20th century. Beginning in 1992, however, it began a steady climb that has yet to peak. In fact, 2025 marks its highest rank ever at 451, with a current ratio of 1 in 2,357 births. The name's rising trajectory mirrors a broader interest in mythological and literary names, with particular popularity in states like New Mexico, New Hampshire, and Idaho. Its melodic quality and ancient pedigree give it a distinctive yet accessible feel, appealing to parents seeking a name with depth and resonance.
From Greek Καλλιόπη (Kalliope), derived from κάλλος (kallos) 'beauty' and ὄψ (ops) 'voice'. In Greek mythology, Calliope was the Muse of epic poetry and eloquence, the eldest of the nine Muses. The name has been used in the English-speaking world since the Renaissance, though it remained rare until the late 20th century.
Where Calliope is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Calliope” around the world
Where Calliope lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Callie, Cally, Lia, Piper
Sibling names for Calliope
Names that share Calliope's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Thalia, Clio, Persephone, Athena, Lyra, Danae, Demetra, Demetria, Echo, Kassandra, Selene, Ariadne, Delphia, Phaedra, Aphrodite, Arcadia, Astraea, Athanasia, Eureka, Odyssey, Pennelope, Ambrosia, Andromeda, Aspasia, Asteria, Cassiopeia, Charmion, Circe, Clytie, Macaria, Parthenia, Persephanie, Theodosia, Ulyssa, Urania, Athene, Athenea, Caliope, Cybele, Cyrene, Dejanira, Demetress, Eurydice, Ilithyia, Kassiani, Naturi, Nemesis, Niobe, Ourania, Parthena, Persephonie, Priseis, Siren, Thetis
Brothers: Orion, Apollo, Atticus, Jasper, Theodore, Adonis, Charon, Perseus, Achilles, Arion, Atreus, Demetris, Alastor, Alcides, Castor, Hermes, Lysander, Theseus, Ulysee, Archimedes, Aristides, Hymen, Leonides, Odysseus, Oreste, Orestes, Ulysees, Chiron, Demetres, Dionis, Icarus, Kharon, Prometheus, Socrates
