Show ContentsCalio History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Although it has long been an Italian name, the ultimate origins of the Calio 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 Calio family

The surname Calio 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 Calio family

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

Calio Spelling Variations

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

Early Notables of the Calio family

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

Migration of the Calio 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 Calio (post 1700) +

  • Louisa Calio (b. 1947), American poet and writer, recipient of the Barbara Jones Memorial Prize for Literature on Poetry Day in 1984
  • Wendy Calio (b. 1977), American actress, singer, dancer and choreographer, best known for her portrayal as Nina, on Disney Junior children's series, Imagination Movers
  • Nicholas E Calio (b. 1953), American President and CEO of Airlines for America, former Citigroup’s Senior Vice-President for Global Government Affairs


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