What does Caleb mean and where does it come from?
Caleb (קָלֵב) is traditionally a male name in Hebrew; however, recent trends have seen it adopted for females. The name is well-known from the Bible, representing loyalty and faithfulness. Caleb has been popular in various cultures and often symbolizes devotion.
Cultural significance
Caleb has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #31 in 2009 — currently #51 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Caleb?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Caleb?
Caleb works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Caleb Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Caleb Rose
Floral · soft ending
Caleb Mae
Sweet · timeless
Caleb Claire
French influence · crisp
Caleb Jane
Literary · strong
Caleb Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Caleb right now?
Holding steady — currently #51 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #51 | 5,521 | ▲ up 1 · -4% births |
| 2022 | #52 | 5,772 | ▼ down 1 · -3% births |
| 2021 | #51 | 5,961 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2020 | #56 | 5,546 | ▼ down 19 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #37 | 8,801 | ▼ down 5 · -16% births |
| 2010 | #32 | 10,473 | ▲ up 3 · -4% births |
| 2005 | #35 | 10,893 | ▲ up 3 · +10% births |
| 2000 | #38 | 9,865 | ▲ up 16 · +48% births |
| 1995 | #54 | 6,654 | ▲ up 34 · +60% births |
| 1990 | #88 | 4,153 | ▲ up 48 · +99% births |
| 1985 | #136 | 2,083 | ▲ up 99 · +112% births |
| 1980 | #235 | 982 | ▲ up 145 · +135% births |
| 1975 | #380 | 417 | ▲ up 446 · +334% births |
| 1970 | #826 | 96 | ▲ up 367 · +134% births |
| 1965 | #1193 | 41 | — |
The story of Caleb
Caleb has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #31 in 2009. More than 296,295 babies have been named Caleb since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #328 in 1880 to #51 in 2023. Caleb is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Caleb in 2009:
Caleb by decade
Caleb peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 182 | |
| 1890s | 89 | |
| 1900s | 106 | |
| 1910s | 317 | |
| 1920s | 416 | |
| 1930s | 316 | |
| 1940s | 312 | |
| 1950s | 418 | |
| 1960s | 518 | |
| 1970s | 4,025 | |
| 1980s | 20,769 | |
| 1990s | 66,421 | |
| 2000s ★ | 110,254 | |
| 2010s | 86,600 | |
| 2020s | 5,552 | |
What are good nicknames for Caleb?
Famous people named Caleb
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Caleb (Biblical)
One of the twelve spies sent to Canaan in the Book of Numbers, praised for his faithfulness and courage
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Caleb Landry Jones
American actor and musician known for his roles in Get Out and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
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Caleb Followill
Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Kings of Leon, known for hit songs like Use Somebody
CM
Caleb McLaughlin
American actor known for playing Lucas Sinclair in Netflix's Stranger Things
CC
Caleb Carr
American novelist and military historian known for The Alienist and its sequel The Angel of Darkness
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Caleb?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Caleb also consider these
How is Caleb written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Caleb
What does the name Caleb mean?
Caleb means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Caleb?
Caleb is currently ranked #51 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Caleb?
Caleb originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Caleb?
Caleb is a three-syllable name pronounced K AE1 L EH1 B. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Caleb?
Caleb pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.