Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Kaleb
BoyHebrew· “form of Caleb; often linked to dog”
- Meaning
- form of Caleb; often linked to dog
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- KAY-lihb
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #295
- US babies 2025
- 1,143
- Best rank
- #108 (2009)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Kaleb
Kaleb is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “form of Caleb; often linked to dog”.
Kaleb is a spelling variant of Caleb, from the Hebrew Kalev. Its meaning is disputed: it is often connected with kelev, "dog", sometimes understood as a symbol of loyalty, while other interpretations link it to words for "whole-hearted". In the Book of Numbers, Caleb is one of the scouts sent into Canaan who, with Joshua, trusts that the land can be entered, and he is praised for his faithfulness. The K spelling is common in the United States and is also the usual form in some European languages. Kaleb sounds friendly and strong, and Kal or Cal make easy nicknames.
Popularity over time
Kaleb first appears in US Social Security records in 1970. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 48 different years, starting in 1977. Its best national rank was #108 in 2009, and the most babies received it in 2007, when 3,819 were named Kaleb. In 2025, 1,143 babies were named Kaleb, and it ranked #295 nationally. That is 55% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #806 in 1980, #141 in 2000, #118 in 2010, and #295 in 2025. Of the 86,649 US boys named Kaleb since records began, 40% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 26,039 babies. Since 2010, 34,060 more have been named Kaleb.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Preston, Oscar, Jorge, Omar, and Cristian.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kaleb ranked highest in Florida, Mississippi, and Nevada.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #187 | 118 |
| Mississippi | #208 | 15 |
| Nevada | #209 | 15 |
| Arkansas | #214 | 17 |
| Alabama | #221 | 26 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Kaleb is usually pronounced KAY-lihb, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-eb”.
Middle names for Kaleb
A few middle names that flow with Kaleb: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kaleb
Similar names
Caleb Boy
KAY-luhb
“dog; often read as wholehearted” · Hebrew
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EE-ly
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Miguel Boy
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Joel Boy
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Abel Boy
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Omar Boy
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“long-lived; flourishing” · Arabic
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Judah Boy
JOO-duh
“praised” · Hebrew
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Lists that include Kaleb
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kaleb mean?
Kaleb is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “form of Caleb; often linked to dog”.
What is the origin of the name Kaleb?
Kaleb has Hebrew roots. Kaleb is a spelling variant of Caleb, from the Hebrew Kalev.
Is Kaleb a popular name?
Yes. Kaleb ranked #295 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kaleb a boy or girl name?
Kaleb is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Kaleb?
Kaleb is usually pronounced KAY-lihb. 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