Cal vs Duke

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Cal

Boy #671 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"bald (short for Calvin from Latin Calvinus)"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

American English Scottish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#671
Total SSA Count
408
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Cal →

Duke

Boy #710 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"leader, military commander"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

American English Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#710
Total SSA Count
375
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Duke →

Popularity Comparison

Cal Rank #671
Duke Rank #710

Cal is more popular, ranked #671 vs #710 for Duke.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Cal ___

  • Cal James
  • Cal Thomas
  • Cal Edward
  • Cal William
  • Cal Henry
  • Cal Owen

Duke ___

  • Duke James
  • Duke William
  • Duke Henry
  • Duke Thomas
  • Duke Lee
  • Duke Allen

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Cal

Milo Jasper Leo Cora Nora

If you choose Duke

Earl Rex Beau Chase Baron

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cal or Duke more popular?

Cal is more popular, ranked #671 compared to Duke at #710 in the United States.

What do Cal and Duke mean?

Cal means "bald (short for Calvin from Latin Calvinus)" (Latin origin). Duke means "leader, military commander" (Latin origin).

Are Cal and Duke boy or girl names?

Cal is primarily a boy name. Duke is primarily a boy name.

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