Caleb
KAY-lub /ˈkeɪ.ləb/
Meaning of Caleb
Caleb comes from the Hebrew כָּלֵב (Kalev), traditionally related to the word for 'dog' — an animal symbolising loyalty and faithfulness in the ancient Near East. The name is glossed in some sources as 'whole-hearted' or 'devoted.' In the Hebrew Bible, Caleb is one of only two spies (with Joshua) who reports faithfully from Canaan and is later rewarded with an inheritance there (Numbers 13–14).
Current popularity of Caleb
Rankings from the most recent fully-published year in each national registry. Source links at the foot of the page.
| Registry | Year | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| United States (SSA) | 2024 | #33 |
Notable bearers of Caleb
Caleb (Hebrew Bible, one of the twelve spies); Caleb Followill (Kings of Leon).
Similar names & variants
Cognates, spelling variants and close relatives. Click any name with an underline to read its own page.
Sibling-name suggestions
Names that pair stylistically with Caleb — useful as middle names or for siblings.
About this entry
Compiled by the Baby Name Finder editorial team following the rules in our Methodology and Editorial guidelines. If you spot an error, please tell us; our corrections policy is at /editorial-guidelines#corrections.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-05-31