First found in various regions of Germany. The surname emerged independently in the regions of Bavaria, Pomerania, Silesia, and Oldenburg, creating several branches of the family as early as the 13th century. The young Kalis family was instrumental during this early period, each branch playing a major role in the development of medieval German society in its particular region.

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Rosina Galle, a Moravian who came to New York in 1749; Benedictus Galle, who settled in Philadelphia in 1764; Lorenz Kalis, who immigrated to Brazil in 1826.

For more information on the last name Kalis, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.