"dog (symbol of loyalty)"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Kaleb
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Faithful as the biblical spy who dared to believe
English
American
Hebrew
Christian
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Spiritual
Gentle
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The Story of Kaleb
Kaleb is an alternate spelling of Caleb, from the Hebrew Kalev, meaning dog or faithful, devoted one. In ancient Hebrew culture, the dog was associated with loyalty and faithfulness rather than negative connotations, making this a name of wholehearted devotion. In the Bible, Caleb was one of the twelve spies Moses sent to scout Canaan, and one of only two (with Joshua) who gave a faithful, courageous report. His name became synonymous with wholehearted loyalty to God.
Caleb and its variant Kaleb have both been popular in the US since the 1990s, fueled by the biblical name revival. The k spelling distinguishes the bearer in a sea of Calebs while maintaining the same pronunciation. Kaleb appeals to parents who want the classic meaning and sound but prefer a slightly more distinctive spelling. It has been consistently in the top 50 names for boys.
Caleb holds an important place in the Hebrew Bible as one of the faithful spies who entered Canaan with Joshua. The Tribe of Caleb (Calebites) occupied much of the Negev desert region of ancient Israel. In Christian tradition, Caleb represents unwavering faith — he and Joshua were the only members of the Exodus generation allowed to enter the Promised Land.
Historical Record
Kaleb first appeared in US Social Security records in 1970.
Over 85,483 babies have been named Kaleb in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kaleb is past its peak , currently ranked #278 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Of the 600,000 adult Israelite men who left Egypt in the Exodus, only Caleb and Joshua were permitted to enter the Promised Land — the ultimate reward for faithfulness
- Caleb means dog in Hebrew, and in ancient Israel, dogs were symbols of loyalty, not the negative associations sometimes found in other cultures
- Kaleb with a K is particularly popular in the American South, where both biblical names and distinctive spellings are cultural traditions
Kaleb in Other Languages
Arabic
Kalib
French
Caleb
German
Kaleb
Hebrew
Kalev
Spanish
Caleb
Popularity Over Time
#278
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2009
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kaleb
C
Caleb Hanie
Athlete
1985
American NFL quarterback who played for the Chicago Bears and other teams
C
Caleb (biblical figure)
Religious
One of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout Canaan; one of only two who gave a faithful report, rewarded with entry i...
One of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout Canaan; one of only two who gave a faithful report, rewarded with entry into the Promised Land
C
Caleb Rivers Fictional
Other
Main character in the TV series Pretty Little Liars (2010-2017), the loyal boyfriend of Hanna who helps the Liars unrave...
Main character in the TV series Pretty Little Liars (2010-2017), the loyal boyfriend of Hanna who helps the Liars unravel the mystery of A
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Compare Kaleb with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #278
- Total SSA Count
- 1,221
- Cultural Origins
- English American Hebrew Christian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kale
Kay
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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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
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kaleb
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Kaleb is also used as a girl name, ranked #58007.
View Kaleb as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kaleb
What does the name Kaleb mean?
"dog (symbol of loyalty)" (from Hebrew). Kaleb is an alternate spelling of Caleb, from the Hebrew Kalev, meaning dog or faithful, devoted one. In ancient Hebrew culture, the dog was associated with loyalty and faithfulness rather than negative connotations, making this a name of wholehearted devotion. In the Bible, Caleb was one of the twelve spies Moses sent to scout Canaan, and one of only two (with Joshua) who gave a faithful, courageous report. His name became synonymous with wholehearted loyalty to God.
What is the origin of the name Kaleb?
Kaleb has Hebrew, English, American, and Christian origins. In Hebrew, it means "dog (symbol of loyalty)".
Is Kaleb a boy or girl name?
Kaleb is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #278. As a girl name, it is ranked #58007. Kaleb is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Kaleb?
Kaleb is currently ranked #278 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kaleb?
Common nicknames for Kaleb include Kale and Kay.
What are good middle names for Kaleb?
Popular middle name pairings include Kaleb James, Kaleb Thomas, Kaleb Scott, Kaleb Lee, Kaleb Michael, Kaleb Ryan, and Kaleb Grant.
What are good sibling names for Kaleb?
Names that pair well with Kaleb as siblings include Joshua, Elijah, Hannah, Naomi, Levi, Abigail, and Isaac.
How many syllables does Kaleb have?
Kaleb has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kaleb a common or rare name?
Kaleb is a popular name, ranked #278 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
What boy names are similar to Kaleb?
About the Name Kaleb
Kaleb is a boy name with English, American, Hebrew, and Christian origins . The name means "dog (symbol of loyalty)" in Hebrew .
Is Kaleb a boy or girl name? Kaleb is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #278 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #58,007. Kaleb is more commonly used as a boy name.
Kaleb is currently ranked #278 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kaleb has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kaleb include Kale and Kay. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kaleb include Kaleo, Kalel, Kaleth, Kalen, Kalet . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis