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

Popularity of Kaleb by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,228 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kaleb.

The history of the first name Kaleb

The name Kaleb has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, with the earliest known use dating back to ancient biblical times. It is derived from the Hebrew word "kelev," which means "dog" or "faithful." In the Old Testament of the Bible, Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan, and he was rewarded for his faithful reporting.

In addition to its biblical roots, the name Kaleb has been popular throughout history in various cultures and regions. In ancient Greece, a similar name, "Kalibos," was used, meaning "good dog" or "loyal companion." This variation was likely influenced by the Hebrew name's meaning and association with faithfulness.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Kaleb can be found in the biblical Book of Numbers, which mentions Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, as one of the two spies who remained faithful to God during the Exodus. He was rewarded with the promise of inheriting the land of Hebron.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kaleb. In the 4th century AD, Saint Caleb was a Christian martyr who was executed for his faith during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Another historical figure with this name was Caleb Cushing (1800-1879), an American politician and diplomat who served as the Attorney General of the United States under President Franklin Pierce.

In the realm of literature, Caleb Williams is the title character of a novel by William Godwin, published in 1794. The novel explores themes of justice, oppression, and the pursuit of truth, and Caleb Williams represents the struggle against tyranny and corruption.

Other notable individuals named Kaleb include Caleb Bradham (1867-1934), the American pharmacist and businessman who invented the popular soft drink Pepsi-Cola, and Caleb Landry Jones (born 1989), an American actor known for his roles in films such as "Get Out" and "X-Men: First Class."

The name Kaleb has endured throughout the centuries, carrying with it a rich history and a meaning that resonates with concepts of loyalty, faithfulness, and steadfastness. Its biblical origins and cultural significance have contributed to its enduring popularity across various regions and religions.

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

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

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