Calista \c(a)-lis-ta, cal(i)-sta\ as a girl's name is pronounced ka-LEES-tah, ka-LISS-tah. It is of Latin and Greek origin, and the meaning of Calista is "cup; fairest, most beautiful". From the Late Latin name Calixta, feminine form of Calixtus which is used in reference by Christians to the cup containing the wine of the Christian sacrament. Also linked with "kallista" in Greek meaning "most beautiful". Callistus was a third-century male Roman saint. Mythology: an Arcadian nymph who metamorphosed into a she-bear, then into the Great Bear constellation. Actress Calista Flockhart.

Calista has 25 variant forms: Cala, Calesta, Cali, Calissa, Calisto, Calla, Callesta, Calli, Callie, Callista, Cally, Callysta, Calyssa, Calysta, Kala, Kalesta, Kalista, Kalla, Kallesta, Kalli, Kallie, Kallista, Kally, Kallysta and Kalysta.