Rising since 2009, #6,546 for girls today.
Popularity of Kaliope since 1921
Babies named Kaliope per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 17 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 26 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 94 |
| 2020s | 96 |
Meaning & origin
Kaliope is a distinct spelling of the mythological name Calliope, which has been in use since the early 20th century, first recorded in the U.S. in 1921. The name has seen a steady rise in usage since 2009, reaching its peak rank of 6546 in 2024 and continuing into 2025. While its one-in-94545 rate places it well outside the top 1000, its upward trajectory reflects a growing interest in classical names with lyrical associations. Kaliope offers a unique alternative to more common mythological names like Penelope or Persephone, and its musical meaning ('beautiful voice') gives it an artistic resonance. The name has not been associated with any particular state as of the most recent data, indicating a broad but shallow distribution across the country.
Kaliope is a variant of Calliope, which is derived from the Greek elements "kallos" (beauty) and "ops" (voice). In Greek mythology, Calliope was the muse of epic poetry and eloquence, the eldest of the nine Muses. The name entered English usage in the 19th century, often associated with the musical instrument called the calliope, though the spelling Kaliope is less common.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kali, Callie, Lio
Sibling names for Kaliope
Names that share Kaliope's style, for a brother or sister.
