The name Cal is of Latin origin and means "bald." It is believed to have originated from the Latin word "calvus," which also means bald or hairless. While it may seem unusual, this name has been used throughout history and has even appeared in literature.
One of the earliest known references to the name Cal comes from the New Testament of the Bible. In the Acts of the Apostles, there is a man named Caius (also spelled Calvis) who was a member of the Roman Senate during the time of Emperor Claudius. It is possible that his name evolved into Cal over time.
In literature, the name Cal appears in John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost." In this work, one of the fallen angels is named Calabim, which may have been inspired by the Latin root for baldness. It is also possible that this name was influenced by the Hebrew word "kalah," which means "bride" or "end."
Despite its unusual meaning, the name Cal has gained popularity in recent years. In the United States, it has appeared on the Social Security Administration's list of most popular baby names for several years now, although it is still relatively rare compared to more traditional names.
Overall, the name Cal is a unique and historic choice that may appeal to parents looking for something different for their child. While its meaning may be unexpected, there is no doubt that this name has a rich history behind it and can make a distinctive statement.
The name Cal experienced a brief but notable spike in popularity during the mid-20th century in the United States. In 1954, five babies were given the name Cal at birth. This figure remained consistent in the following year, with another five births recorded in 1955. This resulted in a total of ten babies being named Cal over these two years combined. However, it's important to note that this naming trend did not persist beyond this period, as the name Cal subsequently became less common in subsequent decades.