"bold, brave"
Origin: Hebrew (from Caleb)
Language: English
Cale
Pronunciation: [ k-AYL ]
Does Cale flow with your last name?
A short, strong name meaning 'bold and brave'
English
American
Strong
Minimalist
Modern
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"slender"
Origin: Irish Gaelic (caol)
Language: Irish
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Things to Know About This Name
- Association with the vegetable kale may invite teasing
The Story of Cale
Cale has multiple possible origins: it may derive from the Hebrew name Caleb, meaning 'bold' or 'dog' (signifying loyalty), or from the Irish Gaelic 'caol' meaning 'slender.' As a standalone name, it emerged in the American South as a short, strong alternative to longer names.
Cale gained recognition through musician J.J. Cale, whose laid-back style influenced Eric Clapton and others. The name fits the modern trend toward short, punchy one-syllable names for boys.
In the American South, Cale represents the tradition of short, strong names that carry frontier energy. Its simplicity makes it feel both old-fashioned and contemporary.
Historical Record
Cale first appeared in US Social Security records in 1952.
Over 8,125 babies have been named Cale in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cale is past its peak , currently ranked #3,256 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- J.J. Cale wrote 'Cocaine' and 'After Midnight,' both made famous by Eric Clapton
- Cale is also a surname of Welsh origin meaning 'slender'
Cale in Other Languages
Irish
Caol
French
Cale
Spanish
Cale
Popularity Over Time
#3,256
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1984
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Cale
J
John Cale
Musician
1942
Welsh musician and co-founder of the Velvet Underground
J
J.J. Cale
Musician
1938
Influential American singer-songwriter who pioneered the Tulsa Sound
C
Cale Tucker Fictional
Other
Protagonist of the animated sci-fi film 'Titan A.E.' voiced by Matt Damon
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Compare Cale with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #3,256
- Total SSA Count
- 37
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cale
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Cale is also used as a girl name, ranked #14777.
View Cale as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cale
What does the name Cale mean?
"bold, brave" (from Hebrew (from Caleb)). "slender" (from Irish Gaelic (caol)). Cale has multiple possible origins: it may derive from the Hebrew name Caleb, meaning 'bold' or 'dog' (signifying loyalty), or from the Irish Gaelic 'caol' meaning 'slender.' As a standalone name, it emerged in the American South as a short, strong alternative to longer names.
What is the origin of the name Cale?
Cale has Hebrew (from Caleb), Irish Gaelic (caol), English, and American origins. In Hebrew (from Caleb), it means "bold, brave". In Irish Gaelic (caol), it means "slender".
Is Cale a boy or girl name?
Cale is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3256. As a girl name, it is ranked #14777. Cale is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Cale?
Cale is pronounced k-AYL.
How popular is the name Cale?
Cale is currently ranked #3256 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Cale?
Popular middle name pairings include Cale Alexander, Cale Thomas, Cale Everett, Cale James, and Cale Bennett.
What are good sibling names for Cale?
Names that pair well with Cale as siblings include Wren, Sloane, Beau, Quinn, Rhett, and Brynn.
How many syllables does Cale have?
Cale has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Cale a common or rare name?
Cale is an uncommon name, ranked #3256 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Cale?
About the Name Cale
Cale is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "bold, brave" in Hebrew (from Caleb) .
Is Cale a boy or girl name? Cale is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,256 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #14,777. Cale is more commonly used as a boy name.
Cale is currently ranked #3,256 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Cale has 1 syllable and is pronounced k-AYL, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Cale include Caleb, Calvin, Callum, Callan, Callahan . 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