US Popularity Rank: 26398

Origin: African

Meaning: Successor; Leader; Ruler; Chaste; Holy

If the image of the tallest building in the world came to mind, you’re not alone. However, it’s Kalifa without an ‘h’ that merits expansion today. Grounded in faith and spirituality, this boy’s name is widely believed to have come from the caliph or caliphate in order to single out the leader of the Islamic religious group. This, in turn, sheds light on the Arabic translations of the name, “successor,” “leader,” and “ruler.” On the other hand, Somalia tends to reserve this name for girls, defining it as “chaste” and “holy.” Whichever interpretation you’re drawn towards, baby can warm themselves by God’s good graces with this name in hand and become an example for the rest to follow.