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.
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.
Caleb – Similar Names & Alternatives
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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.
Caleb – Name Variants & Spellings
| Variant | Language |
|---|---|
| Calev | Hebrew |
| Kaleb | Hebrew variant |
| Calep | Portuguese variant |