Kalev

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Kalev

Pronounced KAH-lev /ˈkɑ.lɛv/Medium

Meaning: From Hebrew Kalev (Caleb), 'whole-hearted; faithful; a dog (loyal)'; also the name of the heroic giant of Estonian myth; routes layeredMedium

In 30 seconds: Whole-hearted; faithful: Kalev is the Hebrew Caleb — 'whole-hearted; faithful'. Crisp, classic, and warm (said 'KAH-lev').

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Origin MediumHebrew, Estonian

MeaningFrom Hebrew Kalev (Caleb), 'whole-hearted; faithful; a dog (loyal)'; also the name of the heroic giant of Estonian myth; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#6008 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births15 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2014

Total births (all-time)≈ 234

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

Kalev is the Hebrew form of Caleb — from Hebrew Kalev, 'whole-hearted; faithful' (or 'a dog', a symbol of devoted loyalty). The biblical Caleb was one of the two faithful spies who trusted God. Kalev is also the heroic giant-king of the Estonian national epic Kalevipoeg (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, classic name across the Hebrew and Estonian worlds (said 'KAH-lev'; nickname Kal).

In the U.S. it appears in Jewish and Estonian families. Rare, whole-hearted-and-faithful at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Caleb means 'whole-hearted; faithful' (or 'a dog', a symbol of loyalty) in Hebrew — Kalev is the original Hebrew spelling, and also the name of the heroic giant-king of Estonian myth — a crisp, classic name (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'KAH-lev').

Overall data confidence 65%

Behind the Name — Caleb — routes layered

Variations

CalebKalebKalevi

Nicknames

Kal

Famous Bearers

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If you like Kalev…

Caleb— the English form

Kaleb— a fellow spelling

Levi— a sound-neighbor Hebrew boys' name

Kohen— a fellow Hebrew choice

Kenan— shares Kalev's Hebrew roots

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kalev mean?

Kalev is the Hebrew Caleb — 'whole-hearted; faithful' (or 'a dog', a loyal one); the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Kalev?

It's said KAH-lev /ˈkɑ.lɛv/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kalev a boy or girl name?

Kalev is a boy's name.

How popular is Kalev?

Kalev is a rare name in the U.S.