Kali (name)

Kali is a name with multiple origins and meanings, most prominently associated with Hinduism and also found as a given name across various cultures.

Hinduism: Kali (Sanskrit: काली, romanized: Kālī), also known as Kalika (Sanskrit: कालिका), is a Hindu goddess. She is the fierce form of Shakti, the divine feminine energy, and is often associated with destruction, empowerment, and liberation. In this context, "Kali" translates to "the black one" or "time." She is depicted in various forms, often fearsome, with dark or blue skin, multiple arms holding weapons, and a garland of severed heads. Despite her fierce appearance, she is revered as a loving and protective mother figure, capable of destroying ignorance and evil. She is closely linked to the god Shiva.

Given Name: Kali is used as a feminine given name in several cultures. Its popularity varies depending on the region and historical period. The use of Kali as a given name outside of Hinduism is often unrelated to the religious significance, deriving instead from sounds and aesthetic preferences. In some cases, it might be a shortened form or variant of other names.

Other Possible Origins/Meanings: While less common, "Kali" may appear in other linguistic contexts with differing meanings, often relating to color or time. These meanings are highly context-dependent.