Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Caleb
BoyHebrew· “dog; often read as wholehearted”
- Meaning
- dog; often read as wholehearted
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- KAY-luhb
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #58
- US babies 2025
- 5,217
- Best rank
- #31 (2009)
- Peak year
- 2002
Meaning and origin of Caleb
Caleb is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “dog; often read as wholehearted”.
Caleb is one of the scouts Moses sends into Canaan in the Book of Numbers. He and Joshua are the only two who report faithfully that the land can be taken, and as a reward they are the only men of their generation allowed to enter it. The Hebrew name is most often connected with kelev, "dog", an image of loyalty, though it is also popularly explained as "wholehearted", echoing the biblical description of his devotion. The Puritans brought Caleb to colonial America, and modern parents rediscovered it as a strong, gentle biblical name. Cal is the usual nickname.
Popularity over time
Caleb has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 97 different years. Its best national rank was #31 in 2009, and the most babies received it in 2002, when 11,665 were named Caleb. In 2025, 5,217 babies were named Caleb, and it ranked #58 nationally. That is 41% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #960 in 1920, #1,205 in 1950, #235 in 1980, #38 in 2000, #32 in 2010, and #58 in 2025. Of the 324,350 US boys named Caleb since records began, 34% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 86,734 babies. Since 2010, 120,637 more have been named Caleb.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jose, Aidan, Samuel, Carlos, and Dylan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Caleb ranked highest in Maryland, Florida, and District of Columbia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #27 | 126 |
| Florida | #39 | 418 |
| District of Columbia | #39 | 18 |
| Virginia | #43 | 155 |
| Washington | #45 | 130 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Caleb is usually pronounced KAY-luhb, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with C and ends in “-eb”.
Middle names for Caleb
A few middle names that flow with Caleb: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Caleb
Similar names
Kaleb Boy
KAY-lihb
“form of Caleb; often linked to dog” · Hebrew
#295
Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Jacob Boy
JAY-kuhb
“holder of the heel, supplanter” · Hebrew
#43
Ethan Boy
EE-thuhn
“firm, enduring, strong” · Hebrew
#24
Daniel Boy
DAN-yuhl
“God is my judge” · Hebrew
#22
Matthew Boy
MATH-yoo
“gift of Yahweh” · Hebrew
#32
Samuel Boy
SAM-yoo-uhl
“God has heard” · Hebrew
#18
Isaac Boy
EYE-zuhk
“he will laugh” · Hebrew
#47
Nathan Boy
NAY-thuhn
“he gave” · Hebrew
#63
Levi Boy
LEE-vy
“joined, attached” · Hebrew
#12
Aaron Boy
EH-ruhn
“uncertain; possibly exalted” · Hebrew
#80
Jose Boy
hoh-ZAY
“he will add” · Spanish
#95
Lists that include Caleb
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Caleb mean?
Caleb is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “dog; often read as wholehearted”.
What is the origin of the name Caleb?
Caleb has Hebrew roots. Caleb is one of the scouts Moses sends into Canaan in the Book of Numbers.
Is Caleb a popular name?
Yes. Caleb ranked #58 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Caleb a boy or girl name?
Caleb is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Caleb?
Caleb is usually pronounced KAY-luhb. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings