Caleb
Caleb is a boys' name of Hebrew origin meaning “faithful, devoted, whole-hearted.” It ranked #58 in the United States in 2025. In the Hebrew Bible, Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout Canaan, notable for his faithfulness.
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how do you pronounce Caleb?
KAY-leb
where does the name Caleb come from?
From the Hebrew כָּלֵב, which is most straightforwardly read as dog — an unflattering derivation that commentators have long tried to soften by connecting it instead to a root meaning whole-hearted, drawing on the phrase used of him in Numbers.
The name has remained popular in English-speaking countries for centuries.
how popular is this name?
Caleb has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 97 years since 1880, and fell outside it for 49. It peaked at #31 in 2009, and ranked #58 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #58 |
| 2024 | #49 |
| 2023 | #51 |
| 2022 | #52 |
| 2021 | #51 |
| 2020 | #56 |
| 2019 | #51 |
| 2018 | #45 |
| 2017 | #50 |
| 2016 | #44 |
| 2010 | #32 |
| 2009 | #31 |
| 2000 | #38 |
| 1990 | #88 |
| 1980 | #235 |
| 1970 | #832 |
| 1920 | #960 |
| 1910 | #782 |
| 1900 | #785 |
| 1890 | #739 |
| 1880 | #325 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Caleb fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Caleb
Caleb and Joshua are the only two of the twelve scouts sent into Canaan to bring back a favourable report, and the only two of their generation permitted to enter the land as a result — the text repeatedly says Caleb followed wholeheartedly. English Puritans took the name up enthusiastically and carried it to New England.
who are famous people named Caleb?
- Caleb Followill
- Caleb McLaughlin
- Caleb Johnson
what are the nicknames and variants of Caleb?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Caleb?
what names go well with Caleb?
Sibling names that share Caleb's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Caleb
What does the name Caleb mean?
Caleb means “faithful, devoted, whole-hearted”.
What is the origin of the name Caleb?
Caleb comes from the Hebrew naming tradition. Related forms include Kaleb, Kalev and Calev.
How popular is the name Caleb?
Caleb ranked #58 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2009, at #31, and it has spent 97 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Caleb a boy or girl name?
Caleb is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Caleb?
Caleb is pronounced KAY-leb, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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