Holding steady, #7,491 for girls today.
Popularity of Kalla since 1985
Babies named Kalla per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 58 |
| 1990s | 84 |
| 2000s | 50 |
| 2010s | 85 |
| 2020s | 57 |
Meaning & origin
The name Kalla is a rare Scandinavian-derived name in the United States, first recorded in 1985. It has never gained widespread popularity, with a rank of 7,491 in 2025 and a 1-in-114,805 frequency among newborn girls. Its peak year was 1986, but it has since remained stable in usage, neither surging nor declining sharply. The name is sometimes associated with the Swedish word 'kalla' meaning 'to call', but its exact origins remain debated. Kalla has not appeared in any top state rankings, suggesting it is used sporadically across the country. Its rarity makes it an uncommon but recognizable choice.
Kalla is a name of uncertain origin. It may be a variant of the Scandinavian name Kalla, which itself is derived from Old Norse 'kalla' meaning 'to call out' or possibly from 'kjal' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection'. The name has seen sporadic use in the United States since the 1980s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kal
Sibling names for Kalla
Names that share Kalla's style, for a brother or sister.
