What is the origin of the name Kala?

The origin of the name Kala can be traced to various cultures. In Sanskrit, it means 'time' or 'black'. It is also a common name in African cultures, particularly among the Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin where it has religious significance as a feminine divine spirit. Additionally, in Hawaiian culture, Kala is a variation of the male name Kalani, which means 'the soul of the heaven'. The name's usage can vary across regions and may have different interpretations or origins depending on cultural context.

Learn more about the origin of the name Kala

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Kala

The name Kala has roots in various cultures, primarily derived from Sanskrit, Swahili, Hawaiian, and African languages. In Sanskrit, Kala means 'time' or 'black'. It is also the name of the Hindu goddess of time and creativity. In Swahili, Kala translates to 'woman', reflecting the feminine noun suffix -a. In Hawaiian culture, Kala signifies 'peaceful' or 'calm'. Lastly, in African languages such as Yoruba, Kala is a name given to girls born on Tuesday or under the influence of the planet Venus. The name Kala carries symbolism related to time, creativity, femininity, peace, and calmness across these diverse cultures.

Character traits associated with the name Kala

The name Kala is often associated with creativity, dynamism, and vivacity. Individuals named Kala tend to possess an innate ability to think outside the box, demonstrating a strong creative streak that sets them apart from others. Their dynamic nature reflects their adaptability in various situations and their capacity to keep up with rapid changes. The name Kala is also indicative of energy and liveliness, implying that those who bear this name are typically full of life, exuding a zest for living that draws people towards them. Furthermore, Kala can symbolize strength and resilience, suggesting that these individuals have the ability to bounce back from adversity with renewed vigor and determination. Overall, the traits associated with the name Kala embody a blend of creativity, adaptability, vivacity, energy, strength, and resilience, making Kala an inspiring and captivating name.

Popularity of the name Kala

The name Kala is not widely common in Western countries but holds significant cultural importance in certain regions. In India, for instance, it is a Sanskrit word that means "time" or "occurrence." As a given name, Kala can be found across various Indian states and communities, particularly among those with Tamil, Telugu, or Malayalam heritage. Its popularity may vary based on regional and cultural influences, but in general, it is not one of the most commonly used names in India either. In other parts of the world, Kala can be found among diaspora communities, although its usage remains relatively low due to cultural and linguistic differences.

Famous people with the name Kala

Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian-American woman to go to space, serving as a crew member on two NASA missions, including the ill-fated Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003. Born in Karnal, India, she earned her master's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington before joining NASA. Kala Bagamani was a renowned Indian dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She is best known for popularizing the Bharatanatyam dance form worldwide and received numerous accolades including the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award. Kal Penn, born Kalpen Suresh Modi, is an American actor and former White House associate director of public engagement. His notable roles include Kumar in the Harold & Kumar film series and Dr. Lawrence Kutner on Fox's House. In 2009, he served as a special assistant to President Barack Obama. Lastly, Kala Umbhanta is an acclaimed Indian painter known for her abstract works that explore themes of femininity, spirituality, and nature. Her art has been exhibited globally and she was awarded the Padma Shri in 2018.

Variations of the name Kala

The name Kala has various spellings and derivatives across different cultures. In Sanskrit, Kala signifies time, art, or blackness. This name is prevalent in Indian cultures, particularly among Hindus and South Indians.

In Hawaiian culture, Kala represents wisdom, intelligence, or a type of stone. It is also a common female name in Hawaii. In Swahili, Kala means "fat," while in Arabic, it can be spelled as Kalaa, meaning "eternity."

Kalah, another variant, comes from the Hawaiian word for play or game. It is often used in the context of Kalah games, a popular strategy board game. Lastly, Kalinda, a Sanskrit derivative, was the name of a mythical character in Indian folklore who played an essential role in the Mahabharata epic.

Overall, the name Kala and its variations carry distinct meanings across cultures, reflecting the richness and diversity of the human experience.
NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

Last updated :

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names