ChristianNames.org Saved

Name at a glance

Caleb

Caleb is a Hebrew biblical name whose exact meaning is debated, often associated with wholehearted loyalty.

Ranked #58 in US baby names in 2025, stable over the past 5 years.

Caleb is remembered as one of the faithful spies who trusted God's promise when others were afraid.

Browse names
OriginHebrew
GenderBoy
FeelSteadfast
PronunciationKAY-leb

Is Caleb biblical?

Yes

Biblical status Direct biblical person

Caleb is a named person in Scripture, one of the twelve spies sent into Canaan in Numbers who, with Joshua, trusted God's promise.

Is Caleb a Christian name?

Used by Christians, not distinctively

Christian tradition Christian cultural usage

Caleb's Christian use rests on the biblical character's wholehearted faithfulness and has grown mainly as a modern English-speaking biblical name rather than through saint or liturgical tradition.

Plain answer

Caleb is a biblical name borne by one of the faithful spies in Numbers, and Christian families use it mainly as a modern biblical name rather than through church tradition.

Confidence Moderate Last reviewed July 19, 2026 How this works

Meaning

The meaning of Caleb

Caleb's exact etymology is debated. Some discussions connect it with dog, while Christian naming often emphasizes the biblical character's wholehearted faithfulness. For a name guide, the safest approach is to separate the uncertain root from the clear biblical association.

Character

Caleb's biblical reputation

Caleb is remembered for courage and trust. In the wilderness story, he and Joshua bring a faithful report when others respond with fear.

That character association is the main reason Caleb feels strong in Christian naming, even when the linguistic root is not simple.

Sound

How to pronounce Caleb

Phonetic
KAY-leb
IPA
/ˈkeɪləb/

2 syllables · stress: KAY-leb · ends in a consonant

Forms

Variants and nicknames

Alternate spellings

  • Kaleb
  • Cayleb

Short forms and nicknames

  • Cal
  • Cale

Languages

Caleb in other languages

Hebrew
כָּלֵבKalev
Greek
ΧαλέβChaleb
Latin
Caleb
Spanish
Caleb
French
Caleb
German
Kaleb
Italian
Caleb
Russian
ХалевKhalev

Christian background

Christian and biblical background

Christians often value Caleb because he represents faithful courage, perseverance, and confidence in God's promise. The name is especially strong for families who like Old Testament names with moral clarity.

Scripture

The biblical figure

Caleb is one of the spies sent into Canaan. He trusts God's promise and is later remembered for following the Lord wholeheartedly.

Bearers

Notable people named Caleb

  • biblical

    CalebOne of the twelve spies sent into Canaan in Numbers, faithful alongside Joshua

  • historical

    Caleb CushingAmerican diplomat and first US commissioner to China, 1800 to 1879

  • historical

    Caleb WilliamsTitle character of William Godwin's 1794 novel widely regarded as an early thriller

  • modern

    Caleb FollowillAmerican singer and guitarist, frontman of Kings of Leon, born 1981

  • modern

    Caleb McLaughlinAmerican actor known for Stranger Things, born 2001

Naming history

Naming tradition and history

Caleb has become a familiar biblical boy name in modern English-speaking use. It feels softer than Gabriel or Ezekiel but still carries strength.

Recent US use

Caleb in recent US use

Rank in 2025
#58
Peak rank
#31 in 2009
Recent trend
stable over the last 5 years
Years in the SSA records
146 (since 1880)

Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880-2025.

Sibling fit

Sibling name suggestions

For families

For families looking at Caleb

For a Christian family, Caleb is approachable, biblical, and connected with steady courage. It works well for parents who want a name that feels warm rather than severe.

Common questions

What does Caleb mean?

Caleb's exact meaning is debated, but the biblical name is strongly associated with wholehearted loyalty and faithfulness.

Is Caleb a biblical name?

Yes. Caleb appears in Numbers and Joshua.

Why is Caleb a strong Christian name?

Caleb is remembered for trusting God's promise and following the Lord wholeheartedly.

Sources

Sources for Caleb

  • A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, Brown, Driver, and BriggsSupports: Hebrew etymology; debated meaning, traditionally wholehearted.
  • The Book of Numbers, King James Version (KJV 1769)Supports: biblical figure; faithful spy who with Joshua trusted God's promise.

Last reviewed July 19, 2026. See our methodology, or report an error on the corrections page.

Read next

Related names

NoahBoth are accessible Hebrew Bible boy names that have risen in modern US naming; soft-consonant register makes them feel adjacent.DanielBoth names center on faithfulness under pressure; Caleb at Kadesh-Barnea, Daniel in the Babylonian court.AsherBoth are short Old Testament names with positive meanings (Caleb traditionally 'faithful/wholehearted'; Asher 'blessed').SamuelBoth stand out in their generations for direct obedience; Caleb at the spies' return, Samuel at the boy's call in 1 Samuel 3.