Holding steady.
Popularity of Kalle since 1977
Babies named Kalle per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 11 | 0 |
| 1980s | 47 | 5 |
| 1990s | 123 | 17 |
| 2000s | 121 | 0 |
| 2010s | 23 | 11 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Kalle is a Scandinavian short form of Karl that has been used independently in Sweden and Finland for over a century. In the United States, the name first appeared in Social Security records in 1977 and reached its peak popularity in 1998. Overall usage has remained stable, with the name never breaking into the top 1000 but maintaining a steady presence. Its simple, familiar sound and strong cultural associations in Swedish children's literature give it an approachable yet distinctive feel.
Kalle is a common Swedish and Finnish diminutive and given name derived from Karl, which itself comes from the Old Norse 'karl' meaning 'free man' or 'man'. In Sweden, Kalle has been used as a standalone name since the 19th century, particularly popular in the early 20th century. It is also a familiar name for characters in Swedish children's literature.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kall
Sibling names for Kalle
Names that share Kalle's style, for a brother or sister.
