Calista

Calista belongs to a Greek name family associated with the meaning “most beautiful.” Callista, with a double l, is a close form, and the root also appears in related names from Greek tradition. The meaning expresses an older naming ideal rather than a judgment about how a child should look.

Actress Calista Flockhart helped make the single-l spelling familiar to television audiences. Callie or Cali can shorten the name while retaining its opening sound. The related mythological name Callisto carries the famous bear story, but Calista should not be presented as the only spelling of that character in every account. Its linguistic connection and its modern bearer history are useful to keep distinct.