Log in · Sign up

Caleb Boy

Popularity: #48 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationKAY-lub / /ˈkeɪ.ləb/

Hebrew; English

Meaning

Hebrew: faithful; English: dog

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Caleb has its roots in the Hebrew language, derived from the word "kelev," which means "dog." This etymology is significant as dogs were often seen as loyal companions in ancient cultures, and the name may have symbolized loyalty and faithfulness. The name appears in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Numbers, where Caleb is one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. His unwavering faith in God and courage in the face of adversity are highlighted in the narrative, establishing him as a prominent biblical figure. The name was later transliterated into Greek as "Kaleb" and subsequently adopted into Latin, which facilitated its entry into various European languages, including Old French and Middle English.

Throughout history, Caleb has been associated with various notable figures and events. In the biblical account, Caleb's loyalty and bravery earned him a significant role in the Israelite conquest of Canaan, and he is often celebrated as a symbol of faith and perseverance. His story has been referenced in numerous religious texts and teachings, reinforcing the name's significance in Jewish and Christian traditions. The King James Bible, published in the early 17th century, further popularized Caleb's story, ensuring its continued resonance in religious contexts.

Culturally, the name Caleb has been embraced for its connotations of loyalty and strength. It has been used in literature and art to evoke themes of bravery and steadfastness. The name has also inspired various diminutive forms, such as Cal, which have been used in different cultures. Overall, Caleb's enduring presence in religious texts and cultural narratives underscores its historical significance and the values associated with it.

Trend Summary

Caleb has consistently ranked among the top names for boys in the United States, particularly popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Kaleb
  • Kalev

International Variants

  • Kaleb (Spanish)
  • Kalev (Hebrew)
  • Caleb (Latin)

Famous people named Caleb

Caleb McLaughlin is an actor best known for Stranger Things, Concrete Cowboy, and The Lion King on Broadway.

Caleb Followill is a musician best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Kings of Leon.

Caleb Landry Jones is an actor best known for Get Out, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and The Dead Don't Die.

Caleb Carr is an author best known for The Alienist, The Angel of Darkness, and Killing Time.

Fictional characters named Caleb

Caleb is a fictional character from the video game series Fire Emblem. He is a skilled mage and a member of the Order of Heroes, known for his strategic mind and loyalty to his friends.

Caleb is a fictional character from the animated series The Owl House. He is a young witch who aspires to become a powerful sorcerer and often finds himself in adventurous situations.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Caleb was first seen in the United States in 1880. Caleb has ranked as high as #51 nationally, which occurred in 2002, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Florida, Ohio, and North Carolina. In the past 5 years the name Caleb has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Caleb (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 715
13%
TX 685
13%
FL 425
8%
NY 309
6%
PA 250
5%
NC 202
4%
IL 194
4%
GA 185
3%
VA 167
3%
OH 157
3%
MD 131
2%
MA 130
2%
WA 129
2%
AZ 128
2%
TN 126
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188027
188118
188225
188316
188417
188516
188614
188713
188817
188919
18908
18917
189211
189311
18946
189510
189613
18979
18987
18997
190011
19018
190211
190311
190410
19059
190614
190710
19088
190914
191015
191115
191220
191324
191436
191539
191639
191746
191849
191934
192052
192138
192252
192337
192444
192556
192639
192743
192826
192929
193021
193125
193243
193337
193439
193528
193629
193727
193837
193930
194030
194133
194228
194332
194425
194519
194632
194744
194838
194931
195036
195139
195239
195336
195433
195540
195649
195745
195855
195945
196050
196139
196246
196347
196458
196541
196663
196736
196861
196977
197094
1971104
1972114
1973185
1974301
1975415
1976525
1977712
1978703
1979860
1980980
19811,428
19821,582
19831,717
19841,650
19852,083
19862,098
19872,503
19882,817
19893,788
19904,154
19914,864
19925,042
19935,787
19946,161
19956,656
19967,549
19977,775
19989,028
19999,281
20009,866
200111,177
200211,665
200311,642
200411,305
200510,894
200611,001
200710,954
200810,577
200910,999
201010,484
201110,039
20129,975
20139,612
20149,243
20158,823
20167,978
20177,151
20186,994
20196,414
20205,612
20215,961
20225,772
20235,521
20245,766