Caleb: meaning and origin
Caleb
“Faithful, devoted”
About the name Caleb
Caleb is a boy’s name from the Hebrew tradition. Its meaning is “faithful, devoted”. Names from Hebrew, many of them from the Bible. They have been used in English for centuries — from Hannah and Sarah to Noah, Elijah and Levi.
Caleb is a biblical name, found in the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament, which is one reason it has been used for centuries in English-speaking families.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Hebrew names
- Aaron 👦Exalted, mountain of strength · Hebrew
- Abraham 👦Father of many · Hebrew
- Adam 👦Man, earth · Hebrew
- Amos 👦Carried by God · Hebrew
- Ari 👦Lion · Hebrew
- Asher 👦Happy, blessed · Hebrew
- Benjamin 👦Son of the right hand · Hebrew
- Boaz 👦Swiftness, strength · Hebrew
- Daniel 👦God is my judge · Hebrew
- David 👦Beloved · Hebrew
- Eitan 👦Strong, steady · Hebrew
- Eli 👦Ascended, uplifted · Hebrew
Sibling name ideas (Hebrew, girls)
- Abigail 👧My father is joy · Hebrew
- Anna 👧Grace, favor; a form of Hannah · Hebrew
- Ayla 👧Oak tree · Hebrew
- Daniela 👧God is my judge · Hebrew
- Delilah 👧Delicate · Hebrew
- Eden 👧Delight; the Garden of Eden · Hebrew
- Eliana 👧My God has answered · Hebrew
- Elizabeth 👧My God is an oath · Hebrew
More boy names starting with C
- Callum 👦Dove; from Saint Columba · Scottish
- Calvin 👦Bald · Latin
- Carlos 👦Free man · Spanish
- Carter 👦Cart driver · English
- Charles 👦Free man · German
- Chidi 👦God exists (Igbo) · African
- Christian 👦Follower of Christ · Latin
- Christopher 👦Bearer of Christ · Greek
- Cillian 👦Little church; also bright-headed · Irish
- Colton 👦Coal town · English
Questions and answers
What does the name Caleb mean?
Caleb is a name of Hebrew origin. It means: faithful, devoted.
Is Caleb a boy or girl name?
Caleb is usually given to boys.
How many syllables does Caleb have?
Caleb has 5 letters and about 2 syllables.
Is Caleb a popular name?
Yes. Caleb has been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. Names marked “popular now” have been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. This is an approximate guide, not an official ranking; see the Social Security Administration’s baby names site for official counts.