Full Names for Cal

Taylor Pemberton via Dribbble

Cal is one of those nicknames with the elusive cowboy-cool factor. He's effortlessly hip, so it's no wonder today's parents are loving Cal names. The following twelve names make excellent full forms for Cal.

Calbert- One of the more antiquated names on this list, but the nickname Cal livens him up a bit.

Calder- A creative name, thanks to artist Alexander Calder.

Caldwell- An English surname that would work just as well as a first.

Caledon- Caldeon derives from Caledonia (Latin for Scotland), and is most well known as a minor character in Titanic.

Calhoun- A jaunty Irish surname that means "from the narrow wood."

California- This place name swings slightly girl (9 uses in 2014 vs. fewer than 5), but with such low numbers, why couldn't California go boy?

Callaghan- This Irish surname is just waiting to be discovered. He's a great option if you like longer names for boys.

Callum- Sweet Callum is rising quickly up the charts. I think he'll break the top 700 come May.

Calton- Calton is a smoosh name with potential. Colton's at #65, so it's only a matter of time before parents go searching for alternatives.

Calvin- Classic, with a mischievous spirit (thanks to Calvin & Hobbes).

Macalester- A prestigious collegiate name that could answer to Mac, Cal, or Les (take your pick).

Pascal- A charming name that I'd like to see used more often.

Full Names for Callie and Cali

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Do you have any names where you hate it spelled one way but love it the other? That's true for me with Cali and Callie. I dislike the Cali spelling (it looks like California, that's confusing!), but think Callie is adorable. Callie is more popular, but Cali is rising quickly. They both work on their own, but there are some great full name options for them.

Expected:
California- It only makes sense if you're calling her Cali.
Calla- Bonus points for being both beautiful and a flower name.
Calliope- A little much, but not if you call her Callie.
Callista- Gorgeous.

Unique:
Calandra- Great name, but my computer thought I was trying to spell calendar.
Calico- The Calico/Callie combo seems very country to me, which is good if that's what you're going for.
Calida- Pretty and understated.
Kalila- She lends herself to Lila more so than Cali/Callie/Kali
Kallan- Slightly masculine, but Callie evens her out.

Unheard of:
Calais- Pronounced cah-LAY. She would make a great middle.
Caledonia- Way too much.
Calypso- A fun, peppy name.
Kalindi- You could also call her Lindy.

Geography Names: State Names

We did State Capital Names, but what about the states themselves? These are a perfect way to honor your heritage.

Expected:
Carolina- A nice, fresher take on Caroline.
Dakota- Literally the most unisex name out there- split 50/50.
Georgia- My favorite of this list, she's so sweet and lovely.
Indiana- It works for either gender, if you consider Indiana Jones. Indy/Indie is a cute nickname.
Rhode(s)- You probably have to tack an "S" on the end to make it work, but Rhodes sounds simple and clean.
Virginia- Due for a comeback, and ripe with nicknames.

Unique:
Alaska- Made usable by John Green's popular book- Looking for Alaska
California-Also wearable on both genders, call them Cal or Cali/Callie.
Florida- Better than you think, and comes with the nickname Flora.
Louisiana- A mouthful, but an interesting option for Lulu.
Maine- Crisp and clean. Makes a wonderful middle name for a son.
Tennessee- New celebrity baby name, but still outlandish.
York- Preppy and cool.

Unheard of:
Alabama- Only if you're from Alabama, please.
Arizona- Does the nickname Ari make this one usable?
Colorado- Conjures up images of ski slopes, but I prefer Aspen.
Hampshire- Very cool choice. Only downfall (or plus side)- no nicknames.
Montana- Unexpected, but not too out-there.
Nevada- Better than Vegas, but still a little tacky.
Washington- He might be too much for a little boy to handle. Stick him in the middle.