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Kaleb

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAY-lub /ˈkeɪləb/High

Meaning: Faithful, whole-hearted; boldHigh

In 30 seconds: A bold Hebrew variant of Caleb meaning 'faithful and whole-hearted.' Kaleb gives the beloved biblical name a fresh, modern edge with its K-opening — equally strong, equally biblical, unmistakably distinctive.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningFaithful, whole-hearted; bold
U.S. rank (2025)#295 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births1,143 boys (0.06% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 86,626

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200719702025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Kaleb is an alternate spelling of the Hebrew name Caleb (כָּלֵב), whose etymology is debated. Most commonly it is derived from the Hebrew root meaning 'faithful' or 'whole-hearted,' though some scholars link it to the word for 'dog' (which in ancient Near Eastern cultures was sometimes a term of devotion or loyalty). Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses in Numbers 13.

The K-spelling Kaleb emerged in the United States as a modern variant, following the widespread fashion of replacing C with K in names like Kason, Kade, and Kohen. It has been in the U.S. top 200 for boys for several years alongside the more common Caleb.

Did you know? Caleb was one of only two Israelites (with Joshua) among the original twelve spies who expressed confidence in entering the Promised Land, and was thus rewarded with entry — his name became synonymous with faith and courage.
Overall data confidence 85%
Behind the Name — Caleb — root form etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

CalebCalab

Nicknames

KaleKay

Famous Bearers

  • ★Caleb (Hebrew Bible) (c. 13th century BCE)
    Israelite leader and one of the twelve spies; rewarded for his faith by entering the Promised Land (Numbers 13–14).

If you like Kaleb…

Caleb— the standard Hebrew spelling of the same name with the identical faithful meaning
Elijah— Hebrew prophetic name with the same Old Testament courage and conviction
Josiah— Hebrew king-name with the same faithful, bold character and biblical weight
Ezra— short Hebrew name with the same devout biblical character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kaleb mean?

Kaleb is a Hebrew name meaning 'faithful' or 'whole-hearted,' a K-spelling variant of Caleb.

How do you pronounce Kaleb?

It is said KAY-lub /ˈkeɪləb/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kaleb a boy or girl name?

Kaleb is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Kaleb?

Kaleb has been in the U.S. top 200 for boys in recent years alongside the more common Caleb.