Caleb: a male name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Biblical Hebrew name “kâlêb > Kalev,” meaning “dog".It derives from the Hebrew word "kâlêb > Kalev".
Caleb has maintained its appeal as a masculine name in modern times while preserving its Hebrew roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from the Biblical Hebrew name “kâlêb > Kalev,” meaning “dog" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Caleb
Quick facts about Caleb
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Biblical Hebrew name “kâlêb > Kalev,” meaning “dog.” A reference to him may also be found in the Quran, although his name is not mentioned. An alternate Hebrew meaning offered for “Caleb” is “faithful, devotion, wholehearted, bold, brave one.” 1) Kalev was the godly son of Jephunneh and the faithful spy who reported the Promised Land favorably and urged its capture. 2) Kalev was also a son of Hezron and grandson of Pharez and great-grandson of Judah and the father of Hur and grandfather of Kalev, the spy.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
kâlêb > Kalev
How to Pronounce Caleb
Caleb is pronounced /ˈkeɪ.ləb/(Hebrew)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Cal-eb
Say it like: "CAL-EB"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Caleb enjoys international appeal, used in 6 different linguistic and cultural contexts including english, irish, swedish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
englishirishswedishscottishwelshfilipino
Frequently Asked Questions About Caleb
What does the name Caleb mean?
Caleb means "This name derives from the Biblical Hebrew name “kâlêb > Kalev,” meaning “dog.” A reference to him may also be found in the Quran, although his name is not mentioned. An alternate Hebrew meaning offered for “Caleb” is “faithful, devotion, wholehearted, bold, brave one.” 1) Kalev was the godly son of Jephunneh and the faithful spy who reported the Promised Land favorably and urged its capture. 2) Kalev was also a son of Hezron and grandson of Pharez and great-grandson of Judah and the father of Hur and grandfather of Kalev, the spy.". The name comes from kâlêb > Kalev. In its original form, the name derives from Kalev (כָּלֵב). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Caleb for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Biblical Hebrew name “kâlêb > Kalev,” meaning “dog.” A reference to him may also be found in the Quran, although his name is not mentioned. An alternate Hebrew meaning offered for “Caleb” is “faithful, devotion, wholehearted, bold, brave one.” 1) Kalev was the godly son of Jephunneh and the faithful spy who reported the Promised Land favorably and urged its capture. 2) Kalev was also a son of Hezron and grandson of Pharez and great-grandson of Judah and the father of Hur and grandfather of Kalev, the spy." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Caleb's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Caleb?
Caleb is a hebrew name. The name traces back to kâlêb > Kalev. The original form Kalev (כָּלֵב) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its hebrew roots, Caleb spread to become common in english, irish, swedish, scottish and other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Biblical Hebrew name “kâlêb > Kalev,” meaning “dog.” A reference to him may also be found in the Quran, although his name is not mentioned. An alternate Hebrew meaning offered for “Caleb” is “faithful, devotion, wholehearted, bold, brave one.” 1) Kalev was the godly son of Jephunneh and the faithful spy who reported the Promised Land favorably and urged its capture. 2) Kalev was also a son of Hezron and grandson of Pharez and great-grandson of Judah and the father of Hur and grandfather of Kalev, the spy." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Caleb a boy or girl name?
Caleb is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In hebrew tradition, Caleb has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Biblical Hebrew name “kâlêb > Kalev,” meaning “dog.” A reference to him may also be found in the Quran, although his name is not mentioned. An alternate Hebrew meaning offered for “Caleb” is “faithful, devotion, wholehearted, bold, brave one.” 1) Kalev was the godly son of Jephunneh and the faithful spy who reported the Promised Land favorably and urged its capture. 2) Kalev was also a son of Hezron and grandson of Pharez and great-grandson of Judah and the father of Hur and grandfather of Kalev, the spy." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal. Caleb ranks among the more popular boy's names, suggesting many parents find it appealing.
How do you pronounce Caleb?
Caleb is pronounced "/ˈkeɪ.ləb/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Caleb is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, irish, swedish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Caleb can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. This pronunciation has been verified and represents the standard way to say the name. The name's root kâlêb > Kalev influences how Caleb sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Caleb?
Caleb is popular and well-recognized. Caleb falls into the sweet spot of recognizable but not overused. People will know how to spell and pronounce it, yet your child probably won't share it with three classmates. Caleb's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Biblical Hebrew name “kâlêb > Kalev,” meaning “dog.” A reference to him may also be found in the Quran, although his name is not mentioned. An alternate Hebrew meaning offered for “Caleb” is “faithful, devotion, wholehearted, bold, brave one.” 1) Kalev was the godly son of Jephunneh and the faithful spy who reported the Promised Land favorably and urged its capture. 2) Kalev was also a son of Hezron and grandson of Pharez and great-grandson of Judah and the father of Hur and grandfather of Kalev, the spy." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Caleb holds its own, appealing to parents who value classic choices.
Where is the name Caleb commonly used?
Caleb spans multiple cultures, including english, irish, swedish, and 3 other traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Caleb found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Caleb, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Biblical Hebrew name “kâlêb > Kalev,” meaning “dog.” A reference to him may also be found in the Quran, although his name is not mentioned. An alternate Hebrew meaning offered for “Caleb” is “faithful, devotion, wholehearted, bold, brave one.” 1) Kalev was the godly son of Jephunneh and the faithful spy who reported the Promised Land favorably and urged its capture. 2) Kalev was also a son of Hezron and grandson of Pharez and great-grandson of Judah and the father of Hur and grandfather of Kalev, the spy." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Caleb into their naming traditions. A child named Caleb will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Caleb is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.