Cal

See My Baby Name List
Table of Contents
1. Cal name meaning and origin
2. Cal name popularity
3. Variations and nicknames of Cal
4. Best name combinations with Cal
5. Numerology of Cal name
6. Cal name in pop culture
7. Famous people named Cal
8. Names similar to Cal

1. Cal name meaning and origin

The name Cal is predominantly a masculine given name with varied etymological origins. Most commonly, it serves as a diminutive or shortened form of names such as Calvin, Callum, Caleb, or Callan. The name Calvin, from which Cal is frequently derived, has Latin roots in the name 'Calvinus,' meaning 'bald' or 'hairless.' Alternatively, when derived from Callum, Cal connects to the Gaelic tradition where Callum stems from 'Columba,' meaning 'dove' and symbolizing peace.

Beyond being a nickname, Cal has emerged as an independent given name in modern naming practices, valued for its brevity and uncomplicated pronunciation. The name carries connotations of strength and straightforwardness across cultures, reflecting its concise phonetic structure. As a standalone name, Cal maintains a timeless quality that has allowed it to remain consistently present in naming patterns throughout the English-speaking world, particularly in North America and the United Kingdom.

2. Cal name popularity

Girl
Boy
#0
in 2023
0
from 2022
Popularity of Cal
United States
United Kingdom

Cal is a unisex name with roots in both the United States and the United Kingdom. While traditionally more common as a masculine name, it has gained acceptance as a feminine choice in both countries. Cal often serves as a diminutive of longer names such as Calvin, Callum, or Calista, though it can stand independently.

Despite its versatility, Cal remains relatively uncommon in both the US and UK, with no significant rankings in popularity charts. This gives the name a distinctive quality that appeals to parents seeking something short, simple, and gender-neutral while maintaining traditional undertones. Its brevity and simplicity contribute to its enduring, if modest, appeal across English-speaking countries.

3. Variations and nicknames of Cal

The name Cal serves as both a standalone first name and a shortened form of longer names across various cultures. In Western traditions, Cal most commonly derives from Calvin, a name of Latin origin meaning "bald" or "hairless," which gained popularity through the Protestant reformer John Calvin. Other formal variations include Callum, of Scottish Gaelic origin meaning "dove," representing peace; Caleb, a Hebrew name meaning "faithful" or "devoted"; and Callahan, an Irish surname now used as a given name. Less common but still notable variants include Callan, Calhoun, Calver, and Calvino. In some Asian cultures, particularly in India, Cal might be short for Calyan or Kalyani, names signifying "auspicious" or "beautiful."

As a nickname, Cal has spawned numerous affectionate derivatives used by family and friends. Informal variations include Cally, often used regardless of gender, and the playful Callie which is also frequently used as an independent feminine name. Among close companions, one might hear Cal affectionately called C, CC, or even Cal-Cal by young children or intimate friends. In collegiate settings, particularly at the University of California, Berkeley, students proudly adopt "Cal" as their collective identity. Sports-related nicknames like "Cal the Champ" or "Cal-Power" sometimes emerge for athletically inclined individuals. The brevity and strong phonetic quality of Cal make it resistant to excessive nicknaming, as the name itself already functions as a concise, approachable form of longer names, embodying a modern preference for names that are simultaneously substantial yet uncomplicated.

4. Best name combinations with Cal

Middle names that pair well with Cal:

  • Cal Alexander
  • Cal Benjamin
  • Cal Dominic
  • Cal Everett
  • Cal Francisco
  • Cal Giovanni
  • Cal Harrison
  • Cal Isaac
  • Cal Jonathan
  • Cal Mateo
  • Cal Nathaniel
  • Cal Oliver
  • Cal Philippe
  • Cal Sebastian
  • Cal Theodore
  • Cal Vincent
  • Cal William
  • Cal Xavier
  • Cal Zachariah
  • Cal Atticus

Names that go well when Cal is used as a middle name:

  • Adrian Cal
  • Blake Cal
  • Charles Cal
  • Declan Cal
  • Elias Cal
  • Finnegan Cal
  • Gabriel Cal
  • Henry Cal
  • Isaiah Cal
  • Julian Cal
  • Kieran Cal
  • Lucien Cal
  • Maxwell Cal
  • Nolan Cal
  • Owen Cal
  • Parker Cal
  • Quentin Cal
  • Roman Cal
  • Thaddeus Cal
  • Wesley Cal

5. Numerology of Cal name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

4
C=3, A=1, L=3
3+1+3 = 7

Number 7 indicates a highly analytical, introspective, and spiritual path. As your Destiny Number, it suggests you're meant to develop wisdom through intellectual pursuits and deep contemplation. Career-wise, you excel in research, analysis, specialized fields, or spiritual vocations. In relationships, you seek depth and meaningful connection, though you may need space for solitary reflection.

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

1
Vowels: A=1
Total: 1

Number 1 reveals an inner desire for independence, leadership, and originality. You're motivated by achievement and self-expression. Your heart seeks to pioneer new paths and stand out from the crowd. You thrive in relationships that respect your autonomy while supporting your ambitions.

Personality Number:

6
Consonants: C=3, L=3
3+3 = 6

Number 6 represents how others perceive you—as responsible, nurturing, and harmonious. People likely see you as someone who creates balance and takes care of others. In professional settings, you appear as a reliable team player who values cooperation. In relationships, you're viewed as supportive and caring, someone who prioritizes harmony.

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.

6. Names similar to Cal

Baby Name Generator

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Our Baby Name Generator helps you find the perfect name, sorted by gender, letter, meaning, and more. You don't need to fill out every field, just the ones you're interested in.

I'm looking for
  • Boy
  • Girl
  • Both
names with the
, starting with
and ending with
with
syllables.
I like names that mean
and are
  • Any theme
  • Biblical
  • Classic
  • Color-inspired
  • Cool and creative
  • Disney characters
  • Elegant
  • Flowers
  • Gender-neutral
  • Hipster
  • Musical
  • Mythology
  • Nature
  • Old-fashioned
  • Places
  • Popular-namealternatives
  • Shakespeare
  • Short and sweet
  • Southern
  • Uniqu
  • Wild West
names.
Show me names of
  • Any origin
  • African
  • African American
  • American
  • American Indian
  • British
  • Arabic
  • Aramaic
  • Armenian
  • Basque
  • Celtic
  • Chechen
  • Chinese
  • Dutch
  • Egyptian
  • English
  • Eritrean
  • Filipino
  • French
  • Gaelic
  • German
  • Ghanaian
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hebrew
  • Hindi
  • Hindu
  • Hungarian
  • Indian
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Latin
  • Maori
  • Muslim
  • Native American
  • Nigerian
  • Persian
  • Polish
  • Polynesian
  • Punjabi
  • Russian
  • Sanskrit
  • Scandinavian
  • Scottish
  • Slavic
  • Spanish
  • Swahili
  • Swedish
  • Teutonic
  • Tongan
  • Turkish
  • Ugandan
  • Vietnamese
  • Welsh
  • Yoruban
Origin.

Search by name

Looking for baby name ideas, advice, meanings, and popularity.

Here are 0 baby name ideas that should work for you and your baby:

Popularity All names
All names
Show top 50
Show top 100
Exclude top 50
Exclude top 100
Sort by Most popular
Most popular
A to Z
Z to A
Table of Contents
1. Cal name meaning and origin
2. Cal name popularity
3. Variations and nicknames of Cal
4. Best name combinations with Cal
5. Numerology of Cal name
6. Names similar to Cal