Find out how popular the first name Kalab has been for the last 37 years (from 1987 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kalab by gender

Based on the last 37 years of data, Kalab is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kalab.

The history of the first name Kalab

The given name Kalab has its roots in the ancient Hebrew language, originating from the Middle Eastern region around the 6th century BCE. It is believed to be derived from the Hebrew word "kalev," which translates to "dog" or "puppy." The name may have been initially bestowed upon individuals with qualities associated with dogs, such as loyalty, protectiveness, or a keen sense of smell.

In the biblical Book of Numbers, Kalab is mentioned as one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. His unwavering faith and courage earned him the distinction of being one of the only two spies who encouraged the Israelites to proceed with the conquest of the promised land, despite the reports of giants and fortified cities.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Kalab was Kalab ibn Wail, a renowned Arab poet and warrior who lived in the 6th century CE. His poetic prowess and military exploits earned him a place in the annals of pre-Islamic Arabian history.

In the Middle Ages, the name gained popularity among Jewish communities across Europe and the Middle East. One notable figure was Kalab Afendopolo, a prominent Jewish physician and philosopher who lived in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) during the 14th century. He was renowned for his contributions to the field of medicine and his extensive writings on Jewish philosophy.

During the Renaissance period, the name Kalab was adopted by various European families, often with slight variations in spelling, such as Caleb or Kaleb. One notable bearer of the name was Caleb Pusey, a British-born Quaker who emigrated to Pennsylvania in the late 17th century and played a significant role in the early settlement and governance of the colony.

In the 19th century, Kalab Cushing was an influential American lawyer, judge, and politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts. He was known for his advocacy of slavery abolition and his strong support for the Union cause during the Civil War.

Another prominent figure bearing the name Kalab was Caleb Bradham, an American businessman and inventor who created the popular soft drink Pepsi-Cola in the late 19th century. His innovative spirit and entrepreneurial success have left a lasting impact on the beverage industry.

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 Kalab was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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