One of the reasons Kona cotton is premium, is that it uses long staple cotton fibers- it gives the fabric a smoother feel, just the same as a premium 200 thread count sheet feels much different than a cheaper 200 thread count sheet- even if they are both made of 100% cotton. It wear better too.
Calico reminds me of Little House on the Prairie. If any of you remember the 70"s that is the little flowered fabric in small prints that all looked alike and came in ugly colors.
I have seen even in Joann's solid quilting cotton called "Calico". I think it's a generic term at this point.