Callixtus

Callixtus, also spelled Calixtus, is a Latin given name derived from the Greek kallistos, meaning “most beautiful.” The form Callistus has appeared in various Christian and Latin texts, and the name has been adopted by several historical and ecclesiastical figures.

The most prominent bearer is Pope Callixtus I, who served as bishop of Rome in the early 3rd century, traditionally dated to around 218–222 CE. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, with a feast day on October 14. Details of his life are fragmentary and based on later hagiography; he is generally recognized for his role in organizing the church's hierarchy and for his leadership during a challenging period of persecution.

The Catacombs of Callixtus, or Catacombe di San Callisto, are a major Christian burial complex located on the Appian Way in Rome. Established in the 2nd century and used through the 4th century, they are among the largest and best-preserved catacombs in the city. The site is traditionally associated with Pope Callixtus I, whose tomb is said to lie there, and it contains numerous other tombs of early Christians, including clerics and martyrs.

Beyond these references, the name Callixtus has appeared in liturgical usage, hagiography, and modern naming practices. It remains a historically significant example of early Christian nomenclature and Roman ecclesiastical heritage.