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Home › Baby Names Directory › Caliph

Caliph

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Caliph

Pronounced KAY-lif /ˈkeɪ.lɪf/Medium

Meaning: From the Arabic 'khalifa', 'successor; deputy' — the title of the ruler of the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad. Used here as a given name; noted respectfully as a title-turned-name.Low

In 30 seconds: A two-beat name: Caliph — 'successor'; a title of Muslim leadership (Arabic) (said 'KAY-lif'). An Arabic title, 'khalifa' ('successor'), used as a name, which we note respectfully.
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Origin LowArabic
MeaningFrom the Arabic 'khalifa', 'successor; deputy' — the title of the ruler of the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad. Used here as a given name; noted respectfully as a title-turned-name.
U.S. rank (2019)#11001 ↗ Rising
2019 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1974
Total births (all-time)≈ 202

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 197419722019

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

Caliph is the Arabic 'khalifa', 'successor' — a title of Muslim leadership; an Arabic title used as a name, held with respect (said 'KAY-lif').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, title-rooted, and dignified.

Did you know? Caliph comes from the Arabic 'khalifa' — 'successor' — the historic title of the ruler of the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad, worn here as a given name (said 'KAY-lif').
Overall data confidence 46%
References — Caliph — Arabic 'khalifa' (successor); a title of leadership

Variations

KhalifKalif

Nicknames

Cal

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Caliph…

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Caliph mean?

Caliph is from the Arabic 'khalifa', 'successor' — the title of the ruler of the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad, used here as a name.

How do you pronounce Caliph?

It's said KAY-lif /ˈkeɪ.lɪf/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Caliph a boy or girl name?

Here Caliph is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Caliph?

Caliph is extremely rare in the U.S. — a deep-tail, newly emerging name.

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