Caleb
KAY-leb · 2 syllables
♂ Male ◎ Hebrew ◈ 2 syllables
"Devoted, whole-hearted; also "dog""

From Hebrew

Caleb means faithful or whole-hearted — from the Hebrew kelev (dog, symbolising loyalty) or kalev (whole-hearted). Caleb was one of only two spies who trusted God enough to say the Promised Land could be conquered — and he was rewarded by being one of only two adults allowed to enter it. The name carries the rarest quality in any story: faith that doesn't waver.

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Caleb at a glance
MeaningDevoted, whole-hearted; also "dog"
OriginHebrew
GenderMale
Syllables2
NumerologyLife Path 5
US Rank (today)#49
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Why parents love Caleb
  • Caleb was one of only two faithful spies — the ultimate reward for faith.
  • The meaning faithful/whole-hearted is deeply aspirational.
  • Two syllables with a warm, strong sound: KAY-leb.
  • No nickname needed — Caleb is already perfectly proportioned.
  • It's been a top-40 name — proven and beloved.
The vibe of Caleb
faithfulwhole-heartedspyPromised Landloyalrewardedunwaveringstrong
Origin & history of Caleb
Hebrew כָּלֵב (Kalev, faithful/whole-hearted or dog/loyal) English Caleb
1
Hebrew roots
Caleb comes from the Hebrew Kalev, meaning faithful, whole-hearted, or loyal (possibly from kelev, dog — symbolising faithfulness). In Numbers 13-14, Moses sends twelve spies to scout the Promised Land. Only Caleb and Joshua trust God enough to recommend invasion. As punishment for the others' lack of faith, only Caleb and Joshua are allowed to enter Canaan. Caleb has been in the US top 40, carrying this powerful message of rewarded faithfulness.
2
First recorded
Earliest known use: Biblical — Numbers 13-14, where Caleb is one of the twelve spies sent to Canaan.
3
Today
Caleb remains a beloved choice, ranking #49 in the US. 319,707 babies have been named Caleb since 1880.
◈ Sources: Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Numbers 13-14, SSA data
How popular is Caleb?
2002 peak year
Its strongest stretch was the 2000s — when Caleb was at its most popular. At its height in 2002, Caleb reached #35 nationally — 11,665 babies received it that single year. Today, Caleb is a familiar choice on U.S. birth certificates, ranking in the top one hundred (#49) with about 6,608 babies named Caleb each year. Caleb's usage has fallen in recent decades. In all, around 319,707 babies have been registered as Caleb since 1880.
Year-by-year registrations 1880–2024 · U.S. Social Security data
11,665 Babies named in peak year
(ranked #35)
6,608 Avg. per year
(last decade)
66,080 Total registrations
last 10 years
319,707 All-time total
(since 1880)
Popularity in the US today (rank #49) Very popular
↓ Declining in recent years
📊 Check all names registered in the United States →
Numerology of Caleb
5
Life path number
The Adventurer
Freedom, adventure and curiosity.

Caleb's Life Path 5 is the adventurer's number — the faithful explorer. People named Caleb tend to be loyal, courageous, and rewarded for trusting their convictions when everyone else doubts.

Faithful when others doubt
Rewarded for courage
Whole-hearted explorer
Loyal to the core
Enters the Promised Land
C3
A1
L3
E5
B2
Sum: 14 → Life path 5
Personality of Caleb
🌍
Free spirit
Adventure calls and they always answer.
Electric energy
Things happen around them — exciting, unexpected.
🦋
Adaptable
New situations are opportunities, never threats.
💬
Natural charmer
There's something magnetic about them.
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Middle names for Caleb

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Numerology life path calculator

Enter any full name and date of birth to discover the life path number — a core numerological indicator of personality, purpose and destiny.

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Life path number

How we calculated this
Caleb is a beautiful choice.
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