Cale Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationKAYL / /keɪl/Hebrew; Irish
Meaning
Hebrew: 'faithful'; Irish: 'slender'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Cale has its roots in the Hebrew name "Kalev," which means "dog" or "faithful." This name appears in the biblical context, particularly associated with Caleb, a prominent figure in the Old Testament who was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. The name was later adopted into Greek as "Kaleb" and subsequently into Latin, maintaining its biblical significance. The transition into English occurred through the influence of the King James Bible in the early 17th century, which helped popularize biblical names in English-speaking cultures.
In the historical context, Caleb is noted for his loyalty and bravery, particularly in the Book of Numbers, where he, alongside Joshua, advocates for the Israelites to enter the Promised Land despite the fears of the other spies. This narrative has contributed to the name's enduring association with qualities such as faithfulness and courage. Over the centuries, variations of the name have appeared in different cultures, with Cale being a more modern, simplified form that emerged in English-speaking regions.
Culturally, the name Cale resonates with themes of loyalty and steadfastness, reflecting the characteristics attributed to its biblical namesake. The name has also been linked to various traditions and stories that emphasize these virtues, reinforcing its significance in both religious and cultural narratives. Additionally, diminutive forms like Cal have been used informally, though Cale itself stands as a distinct name with its own identity. Overall, Cale's historical and cultural roots contribute to its lasting presence in the lexicon of names.
Trend Summary
Cale has seen a moderate level of popularity in the United States, particularly in the late 20th century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Cail
- Kaleb
International Variants
- Cale (English)
- Kaleb (Hebrew)
Famous people named Cale
Cale Yarborough is a former professional stock car racing driver best known for winning three consecutive NASCAR championships and his success in the Daytona 500.
Cale Makar is a professional ice hockey player best known for playing as a defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche and winning the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Fictional characters named Cale
Cale T. D. is a fictional character from the animated film Titan A.E. He is the protagonist who embarks on a journey to find a new home for humanity after Earth is destroyed.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Cale was first seen in the United States in 1917. Cale has ranked as high as #1007 nationally, which occurred in 2008, and has been most popular in Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa, California, and Missouri. In the past 5 years the name Cale has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Cale (2020)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
OK | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1917 | 8 |
1922 | 5 |
1930 | 6 |
1931 | 5 |
1943 | 5 |
1947 | 6 |
1952 | 5 |
1955 | 5 |
1957 | 7 |
1958 | 5 |
1959 | 5 |
1964 | 6 |
1966 | 13 |
1967 | 9 |
1968 | 31 |
1969 | 60 |
1970 | 75 |
1971 | 76 |
1972 | 45 |
1973 | 43 |
1974 | 58 |
1975 | 62 |
1976 | 62 |
1977 | 102 |
1978 | 88 |
1979 | 94 |
1980 | 100 |
1981 | 89 |
1982 | 89 |
1983 | 128 |
1984 | 203 |
1985 | 186 |
1986 | 173 |
1987 | 162 |
1988 | 140 |
1989 | 120 |
1990 | 125 |
1991 | 148 |
1992 | 150 |
1993 | 138 |
1994 | 132 |
1995 | 119 |
1996 | 143 |
1997 | 132 |
1998 | 170 |
1999 | 166 |
2000 | 191 |
2001 | 194 |
2002 | 232 |
2003 | 237 |
2004 | 233 |
2005 | 262 |
2006 | 288 |
2007 | 323 |
2008 | 395 |
2009 | 366 |
2010 | 339 |
2011 | 259 |
2012 | 227 |
2013 | 180 |
2014 | 175 |
2015 | 140 |
2016 | 91 |
2017 | 58 |
2018 | 42 |
2019 | 43 |
2020 | 41 |
2021 | 33 |
2022 | 44 |
2023 | 31 |
2024 | 37 |