Calliope: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Calliope mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Greek: Beautiful voice

Gender: Female

Syllables: 4

Pronunciation: The name Calliope is pronounced kuh-LYE-uh-pee

The name Calliope is of Greek origin and means "beautiful voice." It is historically significant, as it was the name of the muse of epic poetry and eloquence in Greek mythology. Calliope is said to be the wisest of the Muses, as well as the most assertive. She is often depicted holding a scroll or a book, representing her connection with the epic narrative and poetic arts.

Girl name variations

Calliope in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Calliope Torres from Grey's Anatomy - A talented orthopedic surgeon known for her compassion and strength.
Calliope Stephanides from Middlesex - The narrator and protagonist, exploring identity and heritage in this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.
Calliope Juniper from The Mysterious Benedict Society - A resourceful and intelligent member of the titular group of young investigators.
Calliope Reaper-Jones from Death's Daughter series - The daughter of Death himself, navigating the complexities of the underworld and her own powers.
Calliope from Hercules animated series and movies - A muse of epic poetry and eloquence, one of the five muses narrating the tales of Hercules with humor and song.

Popularity of the Name Calliope

According to the Social Security Administration, Calliope is not listed among the top names in recent years, indicating its rarity and uniqueness in the United States. The name Calliope originates from Greek mythology, where Calliope is known as the muse of epic poetry and eloquence, symbolizing a high level of creativity and inspiration. This cultural and historical association might appeal to parents interested in mythology, the arts, or literature.

Notably, the name has been featured in various forms of media and literature, enhancing its cultural resonance. For example, Calliope is a character in the critically acclaimed video game series God of War, which may have introduced the name to a broader audience. In addition, Calliope Stephanides is a central character in Jeffrey Eugenides' Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Middlesex, further embedding the name in contemporary culture through literary acclaim.