Caleb: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Caleb is a male name of Hebrew origin, meaning "dog" or "faithful." It appears prominently in the Hebrew Bible as one of the spies sent to Canaan, symbolizing loyalty and courage.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hebrew |
| Meaning | "dog" or "faithful" |
| Gender | Male |
| Pronunciation | KAY-leb |
Etymology of Caleb
Caleb derives from the Hebrew name כָּלֵב (Kalev), traditionally interpreted as meaning "dog" in its literal sense, though it carries positive connotations of loyalty and devotion rather than the modern negative associations. Some scholars suggest an alternative derivation from the Hebrew roots kal (all) and lev (heart), yielding "whole-hearted" or "devoted with all one's heart."
The name appears in the Hebrew Bible as the name of one of the twelve spies Moses sent to explore Canaan. Unlike most of the other spies, Caleb and Joshua brought back a favorable report and encouraged the Israelites to trust in God's promise. For his faithfulness, Caleb was permitted to enter the Promised Land despite the forty years of wandering.
The name entered English-speaking usage primarily through Biblical translation and Puritan adoption during the Protestant Reformation, when Old Testament names became fashionable as expressions of religious devotion.
History of Caleb
Origins and Early Use
Caleb first appears in the Book of Numbers (13:6) as one of the leaders of the tribe of Judah. The biblical Caleb is portrayed as courageous and faithful, demonstrating unwavering trust in God's promises. This positive portrayal made the name meaningful in Jewish tradition and later in Christian contexts.
Rise to Popularity
Caleb gained traction in English-speaking countries during the 16th and 17th centuries, when Puritans favored Biblical names as markers of religious identity and piety. The name was carried to colonial America, where it remained in steady use among Protestant communities.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1600s-1700s | Puritan migration to America | Established name in colonial communities |
| 1980s | Evangelical revival in US | Name began climbing SSA rankings |
| 2000s | Celebrity usage and cultural visibility | Peak popularity, reaching #31 in 2009 |
Modern Usage
Caleb experienced a dramatic resurgence in the late 20th century. From ranking #235 in the 1980s, it surged to #38 in the 2000s, peaking at #31 in 2009 with nearly 11,000 births. As of 2024, it remains popular at #49, with 5,766 births. This rise reflects broader trends favoring traditional Biblical names with strong, clear meanings.
Key insight: This name rose because of renewed interest in Biblical heritage and traditional values during the late-20th-century evangelical revival, and has stabilized as a contemporary classic that balances religious significance with modern accessibility.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Caleb when they want to convey faithfulness, courage, and spiritual heritage, especially in contexts involving tradition, religious identity, and strong character values.
Variants of Caleb
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Caleb | Standard modern form |
| Hebrew | Kalev (כָּלֵב) | Original Biblical form |
| French | Caleb | Adopted without change |
| Spanish | Caleb | Used in Spanish-speaking communities |
| German | Kaleb | Alternate spelling |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Cal, Cale
Similar Names
- Calum - Scottish variant of Columba (dove), similar sound
- Callan - Irish origin, meaning "battle, rock"
- Calvert - English surname meaning "cowherd"
Caleb Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #794 | 11 |
| 1920s | #960 | 52 |
| 1940s | #1229 | 30 |
| 1960s | #1099 | 50 |
| 1980s | #235 | 980 |
| 2000s | #38 | 9,866 |
| 2020s | #56 | 5,612 |
| 2024 | #49 | 5,766 |
Peak: 2009, ranked #31 (10,999 births)
Current (2024): #49 (5,766 births)
Trend analysis: Caleb's surge in the 1980s-2000s reflects the broader trend toward Biblical names during a period of cultural emphasis on traditional values and religious identity. The name has stabilized in recent years, maintaining strong popularity without the dramatic swings of trendier names.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Caleb as a Username
Availability
"caleb" as a username is often taken on major platforms, though availability varies by service and region.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | caleb | Professional |
| With numbers | caleb99 | Gaming |
| Abbreviated | cal | Social media |
| Stylized | xcaleb, calebx | Creative, preserves core sound |
Digital Impression
Caleb as an ID tends to project:
- Approachability - because the name is familiar and easy to pronounce
- Reliability - because of its Biblical associations with faithfulness and loyalty
Best for: Professional profiles, gaming handles where approachability is valued, faith-based communities
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames.
Is Caleb good for a username?
Caleb works well as a username if you value clarity, tradition, and a grounded identity. However, due to its popularity, you may need variations like cal, calebx, or caleb followed by numbers to secure availability on major platforms.
FAQ
What does Caleb mean?
Caleb means "dog" (symbolizing loyalty) or "whole-hearted" from Hebrew.
Is Caleb popular?
According to SSA data, Caleb ranks #49 in the US (2024). It is stable after peaking in 2009.
What are nicknames for Caleb?
Common nicknames: Cal, Cale.
Is Caleb a boy's or girl's name?
Caleb is traditionally a male name and remains predominantly used for boys.
How do you pronounce Caleb?
Caleb is pronounced KAY-leb. The pronunciation is consistent across English-speaking regions.
Is Caleb good for a username?
Caleb works well as a username if you value approachability and reliability, though availability may require variation due to its popularity.
Related Names
- Joshua - Fellow Biblical spy, shared historical connection
- Elijah - Hebrew origin, similar Biblical resonance
- Cal - Shorter form, often preferred for digital IDs
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names Last updated: February 2026