Calyssa is a unique and captivating feminine given name of Greek origin. Its meaning is deeply connected to the mythology surrounding the ancient Greeks' deities and heroes.
The name Calyssa derives from the Greek word "Kalliste," which means "most beautiful." This moniker was originally associated with Kallisto, one of Zeus's lovers in Greek mythology. Kallisto was a nymph who was transformed into a bear by Hera, Zeus's jealous wife. Eventually, Artemis turned her into the constellation Ursa Major.
Throughout history, the name Calyssa has been passed down as a symbol of beauty and grace. It gained popularity during the Victorian era when many people were fascinated by Greek mythology. Since then, it has been used in various forms, such as Callista, Kalliste, or even Kalysta.
Today, Calyssa is still a rare but enchanting name that stands out from more common options like Emily or Sophia. It maintains its connection to the timeless beauty and elegance of Greek mythology while offering a fresh and distinctive twist on traditional names.
The name Calyssa has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past three decades in the United States. The earliest record available is from 1990, with 8 babies being named Calyssa that year. The number of births with this name increased slightly to 13 in 1991 but then fluctuated between 6 and 16 births per year until 2014.
There was a notable peak in popularity from 2007 to 2014, with the highest number of Calyssas being born in 2011 (17 births). However, after 2014, the trend reversed, and the number of births has decreased significantly, reaching as low as 5 births in 2017.
Overall, according to the data provided, a total of 295 babies were named Calyssa in the United States from 1990 to 2018. This shows that while Calyssa may not have been one of the most popular names during this period, it did maintain a steady presence among baby names in the United States.