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Kali

Girl name · 223 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Kali: 223 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 16 births in 2021.

For parents drawn to bold, distinctive names, Kali carries a powerful dual heritage. The name is most widely recognized from the Hindu goddess Kālī, a Sanskrit word meaning "black" or "time," symbolizing transformation and fierce protection. It also has roots in Hawaiian, where it can mean "the sea" or refer to a type of ornamental shrub. In mythology, the goddess Kali is one of the most iconic figures in Hinduism, while modern bearers include American actress Kali Hawk and the Grammy-nominated rapper Kali, known as "Kali the Goddess." Beyond mythology, the Kalighat temple in Kolkata shares the name's root, though no major Scottish place directly connects. A notable variant is Kaly, and the name has seen a quiet rise in Scotland since the 1990s, appealing to those who love short, strong names with global resonance.