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Calypso Name Meaning & Details

Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Calypso

Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name CALYPSO. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.

Name

Calypso

Gender

Female

Origin

Greek

Lucky Number

1

Meaning of the Name

In Greek mythology, Calypso is a nymph who detained Odysseus on her island; the name may derive from the Greek word 'kalyptein', meaning 'to conceal' or 'to cover'.

Stages of a Female

Complete Numerology Analysis

Your Numerology Number

1

Based on Pythagorean Numerology System

Ruling Planet

Sun

Positive Nature

Leaders, ambitious, highly driven, self-reliant, innovative.

Negative Traits

Overly aggressive, domineering, impatient, selfish.

Lucky Colours

Red, orange, gold.

Lucky Days

Sunday.

Lucky Stones

Ruby, garnet.

Harmony Numbers

2, 3, 9.

Best Suited Professions

Entrepreneurs, managers, engineers.

What People Like About You

Courage, determination, leadership.

Famous People Named Calypso

Calypso (Mythological)

Nymph/Goddess

Central figure in Homer's Odyssey who detained Odysseus for seven years

Calypso Rose

Calypso Musician

Pioneering female calypso artist and cultural ambassador

Calypso Valois

Fictional Character

Strong female aviation character in Tintin comics

Name Variations & International Equivalents

Kalypso Greek Calipso Spanish/Portuguese カリプソ Japanese Калипсо Russian Calypso French/English

Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.

Cultural & Historical Significance

Calypso's cultural significance spans millennia, beginning with her pivotal role in Homer's Odyssey around the 8th century BCE. As the nymph who detained Odysseus on her island Ogygia, she represents one of the most complex female figures in Greek mythology—both a seductive temptress and a compassionate hostess who genuinely loved the hero. This duality has fascinated scholars and artists for centuries, making Calypso a symbol of the tension between love and freedom, mortality and immortality. Her character explores profound questions about choice, destiny, and the nature of happiness.

Beyond classical mythology, the name experienced a fascinating cultural migration when it became associated with Caribbean calypso music in the 20th century. Though etymologically unrelated to the Greek name, this musical connection added layers of cultural meaning, associating the name with rhythm, social commentary, and African diaspora traditions. In modern times, Calypso has become a symbol of feminine power, environmental consciousness (through Jacques Cousteau's research vessel), and artistic freedom. The name continues to evolve, representing both ancient wisdom and contemporary creativity across multiple cultural contexts.

Extended Personality Analysis

People named Calypso are often characterized by their intense magnetism and emotional depth. They possess a natural allure that draws others to them, combined with a strong sense of independence and self-possession. Like the mythological figure, they may exhibit a nurturing yet possessive quality in relationships, valuing deep connections while maintaining their autonomy. Their personalities typically blend creativity with intuition, often expressing themselves through artistic or musical pursuits. They tend to be perceptive and insightful, with an ability to understand hidden motivations and emotional undercurrents.

On the challenging side, Calypsos may struggle with tendencies toward jealousy or the desire to control situations and relationships. Their strong will and determination can sometimes manifest as stubbornness, and their emotional intensity might overwhelm more reserved personalities. However, these same qualities make them fiercely loyal friends and passionate advocates for causes they believe in. They often possess a deep connection to nature, particularly water elements, and may find solace and inspiration in natural environments. Their complexity makes them fascinating individuals who continually reveal new layers to those who take the time to know them deeply.

Modern Usage & Popularity

In contemporary naming practices, Calypso has emerged as a distinctive choice for parents seeking mythological names with strong character and international appeal. While still relatively uncommon, its usage has shown consistent growth since the late 20th century, particularly following cultural exposures like the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise and the continued popularity of Greek mythology in literature and media. The name currently ranks outside the top 1000 in the United States but maintains a steady presence, with approximately 50-100 girls receiving the name annually in recent years. Its appeal crosses cultural boundaries, finding popularity among families of Greek heritage, mythology enthusiasts, and parents drawn to ocean-themed names. The name's musical connections through calypso music add an additional layer of cultural richness, making it particularly appealing in creative and artistic communities. Modern usage often focuses on the name's positive associations with freedom, nature, and feminine power rather than the more problematic aspects of the mythological narrative.

Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings

Symbolically, Calypso embodies profound dualities and transformative power. The name's literal meaning 'to conceal' or 'to hide' suggests hidden knowledge, mysteries waiting to be revealed, and the transformative potential of isolation and introspection. Like the ocean depths she rules in mythology, Calypso represents the unconscious mind, emotional depths, and secrets that shape human experience. Her mythological role as both captor and caretaker symbolizes the complex nature of love and desire—how the things we most cherish can also become prisons if held too tightly.

The island Ogygia serves as a powerful symbol of both paradise and confinement, representing the human longing for perfect happiness and the realization that such stasis can become its own form of imprisonment. This makes Calypso a rich symbol for artistic creation, where the isolation necessary for deep work can feel both liberating and restrictive. In broader metaphorical terms, she represents the feminine principle of containment and revelation, the power of nature both to nurture and to overwhelm, and the eternal human struggle between the desire for security and the need for freedom. Her story reminds us that true growth often requires leaving behind what we love to pursue what we must become.

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