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Eleni vs Callista

Which is more popular?
Callista is more popular than Eleni today: about 42 US babies were given the name Callista in 2025, compared with 0 named Eleni.
EleniCallista
Meaning Torch; bright light (disputed) Most beautiful
Origin greek greek
Gender Girl Girl
Pronunciation eh-LEH-nee kuh-LIS-tuh
Syllables 3 3
First appeared01914
Peak year2024 (255)1999 (137)
In 2025042
TrendRisingDeclining
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Eleni Callista
192019401960198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeEleniCallista
2020s 1,216 250
2010s 1,420 567
2000s 1,319 901
1990s 1,275 424
1980s 762 197
1970s 469 44
1960s 239 5
1950s 100 28
1940s 22 0
1930s 0 6
1920s 0 23
1910s 0 40

What does Eleni mean?

Modern Greek form of Helen/Helene. The etymology is uncertain: most often linked to Greek 'hele' ('torch') or a root meaning 'shine/bright', with some scholars instead proposing a connection to the moon or a pre-Greek word of unknown meaning. The 'torch/bright light' reading is traditional but not settled.

What does Callista mean?

From Greek kallistos/kallistē 'most beautiful', the superlative of kalos, from kallos 'beauty'. Kalliste was a title of the goddess Artemis; the mythological nymph Kallisto bears the same root.

Frequently asked questions

Is Eleni or Callista more popular?

Callista is more popular than Eleni today: about 42 US babies were given the name Callista in 2025, compared with 0 named Eleni.

What is the difference between Eleni and Callista?

Eleni means Torch; bright light (disputed) (greek origin), while Callista means Most beautiful (greek origin).

Which name is older, Eleni or Callista?

In US records, Eleni first appears in 0 and Callista in 1914, so Eleni has the longer recorded history.