Pronunciation: [ k-AYL-uhb ]
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The spy who trusted when others doubted
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"From Hebrew 'Kalev'; possibly related to 'kelev' meaning dog, symbolizing faithfulness and loyalty; the biblical Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent to Canaan"
"loyal as a dog"
"whole-hearted, faithful"
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Browse nicknames →Caleb comes from the Hebrew 'Kalev', whose meaning is debated between 'whole heart', 'faithful', or possibly 'dog' (in the sense of loyal and devoted as a dog). In the Bible, Caleb is one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout Canaan — one of only two (with Joshua) who returned with a positive report, demonstrating the courageous, all-in faith the name embodies.
Caleb entered the US top 50 in the 1990s and has maintained steady popularity, appealing to families who want a biblical name with masculine energy that isn't as ubiquitous as Jacob or Noah. It charts particularly well in southern and evangelical Protestant communities.
In the Hebrew Bible, Caleb represents unwavering trust and whole-hearted commitment to God — even when the majority of his peers lacked courage. As a reward, Caleb was one of the only men of his generation allowed to enter the Promised Land. This story of standing firm against the crowd resonates strongly.
Caleb first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 317,316 babies have been named Caleb in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Caleb is a steady classic , currently ranked #49 for boy names in the US .
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Actor
2001
American actor best known for playing Lucas Sinclair in the Netflix series Stranger Things
Musician
1982
Lead singer and co-founder of rock band Kings of Leon, known for hits like Sex on Fire and Use Somebody
Religious
One of the twelve spies sent by Moses into Canaan; one of only two who gave a positive report and were allowed to enter the Promised Land
Other
Beloved character in Pretty Little Liars played by Tyler Blackburn, the loyal tech-savvy boyfriend of Hanna Marin
Top states by rank · 2024
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Caleb
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
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Caleb is also used as a girl name, ranked #13162.
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Latin geographical origin
"from Lucania"
#9 in US
Welsh origin
"son of Madoc"
#215 in US
Latin (via Italian) origin
"from Laurentum, crowned with laurel"
#74 in US
Latin (Lucius) origin
"light, illumination"
#94 in US
Hebrew origin
"God is salvation, the Lord saves"
#57 in US
Old English origin
"cheerful, pleasant"
#210 in US
Ancient Greek origin
"warrior, strong man"
#68 in US
Hebrew origin
"son of the south"
#11 in US
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Caleb is a boy name with English, Jewish, and American origins . The name means "From Hebrew 'Kalev'; possibly related to 'kelev' meaning dog, symbolizing faithfulness and loyalty; the biblical Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent to Canaan" in Biblical .
Is Caleb a boy or girl name? Caleb is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #49 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #13,162. Caleb is more commonly used as a boy name.
Caleb is currently ranked #49 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Caleb has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-AYL-uhb, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Caleb include Cale and Cal. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Caleb include Calen, Cale . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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