Calas History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Italy

Etymology of Calas

What does the name Calas mean?

Although it has long been an Italian name, the ultimate origins of the Calas name are Greek, coming from the Greek word "cali" meaning "beautiful." The name was most likely taken on a surname quite arbitrarily, though perhaps the first bearer was a man of exceptional beauty.

Early Origins of the Calas family

The surname Calas was first found in Sicily (Italian: Sicilia), the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and the southern parts of mainland Italy. In later years, a few branches of the family spread to northern Italy, adopting the naming conventions there and changing their name to end in "i." Most of the family remained in the south, however, and kept the southern suffix "o." The name is of Greek origin, which explains its predominance in the south, closer to Greece. Coming from the Greek word "cali" meaning "beautiful" the name was probably purely ornamental, though perhaps it was given because the first bearer was a man of exceptional beauty.

Early History of the Calas family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Calas research. Another 47 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1272 and 1613 are included under the topic Early Calas History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Calas Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Calo, Cali, Cala, Cale, Calio and others.

Early Notables of the Calas family

More information is included under the topic Early Calas Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Calas Ranking

France, the name Calas is the 4,207^th most popular surname with an estimated 1,500 - 2,000 people with that name. 1

Migration of the Calas family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Matteo Cali, who arrived in New York city in 1891 on board the SS Anglia, Frances Cali, who was recorded in Louisiana in the 1910 U.S. Census, James Cali, who arrived in New York state between the years 1884-1915.

Contemporary Notables of the name Calas (post 1700) +

Jean Calas (1698-1762), French tradesman

Sources +

http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/