Boy · 37th of 24,088
Caleb
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
319,707
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2002
Peak Popularity Year
11,684
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Caleb stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Caleb has Hebrew origins, meaning 'faithful' or 'devoted.' It has evolved through various languages, maintaining its roots while becoming a popular choice in English-speaking cultures. Caleb is often associated with positive traits such as loyalty and courage, particularly due to its biblical relevance.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkeɪ.ləb/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Caleb is derived from the Hebrew word 'kelev,' meaning 'dog,' which can symbolize loyalty and faithfulness. In the Bible, Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan.
Meaning
faithful, devoted, whole-hearted
Language Evolution
Hebrew: כָּלֵב (Kalev), Greek: Καλέβ (Kaleb), Latin: Caleb
Biblical Background
Caleb is a significant biblical figure, known for his unwavering faith and courage. He is mentioned in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Joshua.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, particularly among Puritans who favored biblical names.
Variants & Derivatives
Kaleb, Kalev, Cal, Cale
Modern Popularity & Image
Caleb is currently viewed as a strong, traditional name that carries a sense of loyalty and integrity. It remains popular in various cultures and communities.
Famous People
Caleb Smith: An American politician, Caleb McLaughlin: An American actor known for his role in 'Stranger Things', Caleb Followill: The lead singer of the band Kings of Leon
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 11,684 peak births in 2002
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 8 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 11 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 990th of 7545 | 773 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1264th of 6773 | 538 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1160th of 7552 | 802 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 450th of 10718 | 5,271 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 89th of 16616 | 59,879 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 37th of 24088 | 166,662 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 43rd of 23106 | 84,847 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 17350th of 19264 | 8 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 6091st of 27321 | 209 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 6159th of 35406 | 314 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 9797th of 30306 | 122 |