Cali

Cali is used as both a feminine English name and a masculine Somali name with distinct origins. As an English feminine name, it arose as a shortened form of Calista or California, or as a spelling variant of Callie, itself a diminutive of Caroline or Calliope, the latter rooted in Greek meaning beautiful voice. In Somali tradition, Cali is the local form of Ali, derived from the Arabic name meaning high or exalted, borne by the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and widely used across the Islamic world. Related forms include Callie, Callie, Ali, and Alia.