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Home › Baby Names Directory › Caldwell

Caldwell

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAWLD-wel /ˈkɔld.wɛl/High

Meaning: From the English surname Caldwell — from Old English cald, 'cold', plus wella, 'a well, a spring'; 'by the cold well; a cold spring'Medium

In 30 seconds: By the cold well: Caldwell is an English surname — 'a cold spring'. Crisp, distinguished, and warm.
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Origin MediumEnglish
MeaningFrom the English surname Caldwell — from Old English cald, 'cold', plus wella, 'a well, a spring'; 'by the cold well; a cold spring'
U.S. rank (2025)#5897 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births15 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1918
Total births (all-time)≈ 636

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191819062025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Caldwell comes from the English surname Caldwell — from Old English cald, 'cold', plus wella, 'a well, a spring' — 'by the cold well; a cold spring', originally for someone who lived there. A crisp, distinguished surname-name (nickname Cal).

In the U.S. it appears as a fresh first name. Rare, by-the-cold-well at the root, and distinguished.

Did you know? Caldwell means 'by the cold well; a cold spring' (Old English cald, 'cold', plus wella, 'a well, a spring') — a crisp, distinguished surname-name (said 'KAWLD-wel').
Overall data confidence 60%
References — Caldwell — surname etymology

Variations

ColdwellCadwell

Nicknames

Cal

Famous Bearers

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If you like Caldwell…

Wendell— a sound-neighbor -ell boys' name
Maxwell— a fellow -well surname boys' name
Kendall— a similarly popular pick
Cordell— another English name
Kendell— another English name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Caldwell mean?

Caldwell is an English surname — Old English 'by the cold well; a cold spring'.

How do you pronounce Caldwell?

It's said KAWLD-wel /ˈkɔld.wɛl/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Caldwell a boy or girl name?

Caldwell is a boy's name.

How popular is Caldwell?

Caldwell is a rare name in the U.S.

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