Cally is a unique and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "Cailleach," which translates to "hag" or "old woman." In Scottish folklore, Cailleach is often depicted as a supernatural being who has the ability to change shape into various forms such as a bird or a wolf.
The name Cally is believed to have been popularized in English-speaking countries during the 19th century by Sir Walter Scott's novel "The Lady of the Lake." In this novel, one of the characters is named Cally, which may have contributed to the name gaining popularity outside of Scotland.
Despite its origins, Cally is not necessarily associated with negative connotations. While the Scottish Gaelic word "Cailleach" can refer to an old woman or hag, it also has positive associations in some contexts. For instance, Cailleach is sometimes considered a fertility goddess and is associated with springtime and rebirth.
Today, Cally remains a relatively rare given name, but its unique Scottish heritage continues to make it an appealing choice for parents looking for something distinctive for their child. Whether you're drawn to the name's connection to Scottish folklore or simply appreciate its unusual sound, Cally is sure to stand out as a memorable and meaningful moniker.
Statistics on the Name Cally in the United States:
Over the past few decades, the name Cally has seen a varied trend in popularity among newborns in the United States. Between 1948 and 2023, there have been a total of 1765 births registered with this unique name.
During the early years recorded, from 1948 to 1966, Cally was given to an average of about 8 babies per year, with peaks in popularity occurring around the late 1950s and early 1960s. The most notable spike during this period happened in 1963, with 19 births registered that year.
In the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, the name Cally started to gain more traction among parents-to-be. Between 1968 and 1979, the number of newborn girls named Cally nearly doubled from an average of around 15 births per year in the late 1960s to about 25 births per year by the end of the decade.
The name's popularity reached its zenith in the early 1980s when it became somewhat of a trend among new parents. Between 1979 and 1987, there were an average of around 36 births each year named Cally, with peaks occurring between 1982 and 1985.
However, like many names that experience such popularity trends, Cally's prevalence declined somewhat after the mid-1980s. From 1987 onwards, the number of newborn girls named Cally averaged around 30 births per year until the early 2000s when it started to dip slightly again.
Despite this decrease in popularity over recent years, with approximately 14 births per year on average between 2016 and 2023, Cally remains a distinctive name choice for parents looking to give their daughter a unique identity.