Kalab

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Kalab

Pronounced KAY-luhb /ˈkeɪ.ləb/High

Meaning: Kalab is a phonetic respelling of Caleb, a biblical Hebrew name (Kalev) traditionally interpreted as 'faithful', 'wholehearted', or literally 'dog', a symbol of loyal devotion. The K- spelling is a modern American restyling of the sound.Medium

In 30 seconds: Kalab is a respelling of the biblical Caleb, a Hebrew name tied to loyalty and devotion. It was a rare choice through the nineties and beyond (said 'KAY-luhb').

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Origin MediumHebrew

MeaningKalab is a phonetic respelling of Caleb, a biblical Hebrew name (Kalev) traditionally interpreted as 'faithful', 'wholehearted', or literally 'dog', a symbol of loyal devotion. The K- spelling is a modern American restyling of the sound.

U.S. rank (2023)#11512 ↘ Falling

2023 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1999

Total births (all-time)≈ 463

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Kalab is an alternate spelling of Caleb, from the Hebrew Kalev, a name borne by a loyal biblical scout and usually read as 'wholehearted' or 'dog', an old emblem of faithful devotion. The K- form gives the traditional name a fresher, modern look.

As Caleb surged in American use from the nineteen-nineties on, offbeat spellings like Kalab appeared in its wake, though only a handful of boys a year took this form. It rides the long revival of Old Testament boys' names.

Did you know? In the Bible, Caleb is one of only two scouts who trust God's promise about the land of Canaan - so the name has long carried a sense of faith and courage, whatever the spelling.

Overall data confidence 60%

References - Kalab / Caleb — Hebrew Kalev 'wholehearted/dog'; biblical scout

Variations

CalebKalebKaylebCaylebKhaleb

Nicknames

KalKale

Famous Bearers

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If you like Kalab…

Caleb— the standard biblical spelling Kalab restyles

Kaleb— the closest K- variant with the same sound

Josiah— another revived Old Testament boys' name of the era

Jacob— shares the Hebrew biblical heritage and popularity wave

Explore names like Kalab

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kalab mean?

Kalab is a spelling variant of Caleb, a Hebrew name traditionally read as 'devotion to God', 'wholehearted', or 'dog'.

How do you pronounce Kalab?

It's said KAY-luhb /ˈkeɪ.ləb/ - two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kalab a boy or girl name?

Kalab is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Kalab?

Kalab has always been uncommon, a modern spin on the far more popular biblical Caleb.