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MyGall Boy Names Hebrew Caleb
Boy

Caleb

Caleb Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

KAY-leb

Meaning of Caleb: Caleb derives from the Hebrew Kalev, linked either to the root kol lev meaning whole heart or to kelev meaning dog in the sense of loyal companion. Semitic scholars favor the loyalty reading, as outlined on etymology records.

US Rank 2024
No. 49
Births
5,766
Peak Year
2009
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The Book of Numbers records Caleb son of Jephunneh as one of twelve scouts Moses sent to survey Canaan. Only Caleb and Joshua returned with faith that the Israelites could claim the land, and Joshua 14 rewarded Caleb with Hebron in his old age as tribal inheritance.

Medieval Europe treated Caleb as a primarily Jewish name, but 17th-century English Puritans embraced the Old Testament alongside the New. Harvard's first Native American graduate in 1665, Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck of the Wampanoag tribe, marked the name's early American presence in colonial Massachusetts records.

What Does Caleb Mean? Origin & Etymology

According to US Social Security Administration records, Caleb first appeared in the boys' top 1000 in 1880 at rank 283. The name climbed steadily through the late 20th century, entered the top 100 in 1991, and peaked at rank 31 in 2009 with 12,100 births.

As of 2024, Caleb holds rank 49 with 5,766 US births, easing softly from its 2009 peak. The name ranks among the top 100 in England and Wales, Australia, and Canada. Christian and Jewish American parents alike adopt Caleb, giving it unusual cross-demographic appeal in 21st-century naming trends.

Variants across languages include Hebrew Kalev, Yiddish Koleh, and the Arabic cognate Kalib that appears in some regional usages. Notably, the spellings Kaleb and Caileb appear in US records, with Kaleb holding rank 201 in 2024, placing the combined Caleb/Kaleb group firmly within the top 40 of American boys' names.

How Popular Is Caleb?

Numerology & Symbolism of Caleb

Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.

C(3) + A(1) + L(3) + E(5) + B(2) = 14 = 5
Destiny number
5
Freedom
Sum of all letters, reduced to a single digit
Soul urge
6
Love
Sum of vowels only - reveals inner desires
Expression
8
Authority
Sum of consonants - how others perceive you
Letters 5
Vowels / consonants 2 / 3
Birthstone Aquamarine
Lucky color Turquoise
1 Leadership Independent, driven, original — the initiator who forges new paths.
2 Harmony Diplomatic and cooperative, thriving through partnership and balance.
3 Expression Creative and communicative, bringing joy through art and words.
4 Stability Disciplined and dependable, building lasting structures through hard work.
5 Freedom Adventurous and adaptable, drawn to change, travel, and new experiences.
6 Nurturing Caring and responsible, focused on home, family, and community.
7 Wisdom Analytical and introspective, seeking truth through study and reflection.
8 Ambition Authoritative and goal-oriented, excelling in business and material achievement.
9 Compassion Humanitarian and idealistic, driven by a desire to serve and uplift others.
11 Intuition Master number: heightened sensitivity and spiritual insight beyond the ordinary.
22 Master Builder Master number: visionary practicality that turns ambitious dreams into reality.
33 Master Teacher Master number: selfless guidance and healing offered for the good of all.

Caleb – Similar Names & Alternatives

Noah
From Hebrew “noach” meaning rest or comfort; name of the…
James
From Hebrew “Yaaqov” meaning supplanter, via Greek Iakobos…
Mateo
From Hebrew “Mattityahu” meaning gift of God, from “matan”…
Elijah
From Hebrew ʼeliyyahu: “ʼel” (God) + “Yahu” (Yahweh),…
Benjamin
From Hebrew “Binyamin”: “ben” (son) + “yamin” (right hand),…
Levi
From Hebrew “levi” meaning joined or attached; name of the…
Ezra
From Hebrew “Ezra” meaning help or helper; name of the…
Jack
From Hebrew “Yochanan” meaning God is gracious, via Old…
Daniel
From Hebrew “Daniel”: “dan” (judge) + “el” (God), meaning…
Samuel
From Hebrew “Shemuel”: “shama” (heard) + “el” (God),…
Michael
From Hebrew “Mikhaʼel”: “mi” (who) + “kha” (like) + “el”…
Ethan
From Hebrew “Eitan” meaning strong, firm, or enduring; name…

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Frequently Asked Questions about Caleb

What does Caleb mean?

Caleb means faithful or bold, from Hebrew Kalev. It may also derive from kelev (dog), a symbol of loyalty. In Numbers 13, Caleb was the spy who gave a confident report from Canaan.

What is the origin of Caleb?

Caleb originates from biblical Hebrew. English Puritans adopted it in the 17th century. It ranked in the US top 30 from 2001 to 2014. Stranger Things (2016) gave it renewed 21st-century visibility.

How popular is Caleb in the US?

Caleb ranks 49 for boys in the US as of 2024, per SSA data. It ranked in the top 30 from 2001 to 2014. Caleb has ranked in the top 50 continuously since 1987.

What are variants of Caleb?

Variants include Kaleb (alternate spelling, ranks in the US top 150), Cale (short form), and Kalev (Hebrew). Kaleb ranks separately in the US top 200.

Is Caleb more popular for girls or boys?

Caleb is given predominantly to boys. It ranks 49 for boys in the US in 2024 and does not appear in the top 1000 girls’ names.

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Explore More Names Like Caleb

Boy Names Hebrew Names Starting with C Popular Names
Linda Hartmann

About the Author

Linda Hartmann

Editor-in-Chief, MyGall

Over 12 years of editorial experience in American parenting media. Currently a PhD candidate researching naming trends in US cultural history. Mother of two, based in Austin, Texas. Leads MyGall’s editorial standards and SSA data verification.

  • PhD candidate in American cultural studies
  • Based in Austin, Texas
  • Mother of two
Boy Hebrew 2 syllables

Caleb – Name Variants & Spellings

Variant Language
Calev Hebrew
Kaleb Hebrew variant
Calep Portuguese variant

Caleb – Popularity by US State

AK No. 78 AL No. 70 AR No. 63 AZ No. 54 CA No. 52 CO No. 49 CT No. 26 DC No. 69 DE No. 46 FL No. 37 GA No. 53 HI No. 24 IA No. 92 ID No. 74 IL No. 48 IN No. 59 KS No. 50 KY No. 77 LA No. 92 MA No. 45 MD No. 24 ME No. 98 MI No. 76 MN No. 49 MO No. 61 MS No. 56 MT No. 36 NC No. 48 ND No. 79 NE No. 92 NH No. 82 NJ No. 45 NM No. 54 NV No. 45 NY No. 56 OH No. 70 OK No. 79 OR No. 59 PA No. 37 RI No. 42 SC No. 41 SD No. 56 TN No. 61 TX No. 47 UT No. 99 VA No. 41 VT No. 107 WA No. 46 WI No. 52 WV No. 232 WY No. 85

Quick Stats

US Rank
No. 49
Births (SSA)
5,766
Peak Year
2009

More Hebrew Boy Names

  • Noah #2
  • James #5
  • Mateo #7
  • Elijah #8
  • Benjamin #11
  • Levi #12
  • Ezra #13
  • Jack #15
  • Daniel #16
  • Samuel #17

Names Starting With C

  • Carter #45
  • Cooper #50
  • Charles #51
  • Christopher #61
  • Cameron #66

Rare Gems Like Caleb

  • Shawn
  • Saul
  • Emmitt
  • Moses
  • Eliseo
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  • Italian 89
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