Find out how popular the first name Caleb has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Caleb by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Caleb is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Caleb being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5,488 male babies and 8 female babies born with the name Caleb.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 8 baby girls were named Caleb in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Caleb

The name Caleb has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Hebrew word "kelev," which means "dog" or "faithful companion." The name was initially associated with loyalty and devotion.

Caleb is a prominent biblical name, appearing in the Old Testament. In the Book of Numbers, Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. Along with Joshua, he was among the only two spies who remained faithful and encouraged the Israelites to conquer the Promised Land.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Caleb can be found in the Dead Sea Scrolls, which date back to the 3rd century BCE. The name appears in various ancient Hebrew texts and manuscripts, indicating its widespread usage among the Hebrew people.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Caleb. In the 17th century, Caleb Quotlequah (c. 1624-1690) was a prominent leader and diplomat of the Chickasaws, a Native American tribe. He played a crucial role in negotiating treaties and fostering relationships between his tribe and European settlers.

Caleb Cushing (1800-1879) was an American politician and diplomat who served as the 35th United States Attorney General under President Franklin Pierce. He played a significant role in the acquisition of Alaska from Russia in 1867.

Caleb Bradham (1867-1934) was an American businessman best known as the inventor of Pepsi-Cola, one of the world's most popular soft drinks. He created the beverage in 1893 and initially marketed it as a digestive aid and energy booster.

Caleb Carr (born 1955) is an American novelist and military historian. He is best known for his novels "The Alienist" and "The Angel of Darkness," which were set in late 19th century New York City and explored the early days of psychological profiling in criminal investigations.

Caleb Plant (born 1992) is an American professional boxer who has held multiple world championships in the super middleweight division. He gained recognition for his impressive performances and engaging persona both inside and outside the ring.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Caleb was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Caleb, please contact us.

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