Holding steady.
Popularity of Kalika since 1980
Babies named Kalika per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 77 |
| 1990s | 99 |
| 2000s | 69 |
| 2010s | 11 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Kalika is a rare and intriguing name in the United States, first appearing on the Social Security Administration's records in 1980. Despite its modest presence, it has maintained a consistent but low-level usage over the decades, never reaching the top 1,000 rankings. The name saw its peak year in 1996, but even then it remained uncommon. Its origins are ambiguous, with plausible ties to the Sanskrit word for 'black' or 'time', which connects the name to Hindu mythology and the goddess Kali. Alternatively, Kalika may be a modern English invention, a variant of popular names like Kalia or Callie. Given its scarcity, it has no strong regional concentration in any U.S. state. Parents choosing Kalika are likely drawn to its melodic sound and cultural resonance, without the weight of widespread popularity.
Kalika is a name of debated origin. In Sanskrit, it can be derived from 'kālikā' meaning 'black' or 'of time', often associated with the goddess Kali. However, in modern usage, Kalika may also be a creative respelling or variant of names like Callie or Kalia, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its use in the United States has been sparse, first recorded in 1980 and remaining infrequent.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kali, Lika
Variants: Kalika, Calica, Kalicah
Sibling names for Kalika
Names that share Kalika's style, for a brother or sister.
